Los Angeles County, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to sunrise
- Age covered
- Under 18 years
- Home buffer zone
- Within 50 feet of front door
- Minor fine
- Up to $500
- Max imprisonment for minor
- 6 months
- Parental liability
- Misdemeanor for knowing/insufficient-control violations
Summary
Minors under 18 may not be present in any public place between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise unless they qualify for one of ten statutory exemptions. Parents who knowingly allow violations are guilty of a misdemeanor.
13.56.010 - Prohibited act. A.It is unlawful for any minor under the age of 18 years to be present in a "public place," as defined in Section 13.56.010 B below, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. on any given day and sunrise of the immediately following day, unless the minor satisfies one of the exemptions specified in Section 13.56.020. B.For purposes of this chapter, a "public place" means any place to which the public or a substantial group of the public has access, including, but not limited to, any public street, sidewalk, avenue, highway, road, curb area, alley, park, playground, or other public ground or public building, any common area of any school, hospital, apartment house, office building, transport facility, or shop, or any privately-owned place of business operated for a profit to which the public is invited, including any place of amusement, entertainment, or eating place. (Ord. 99-0087 § 3 (part), 1999.)
Full Breakdown
A 'public place' includes streets, sidewalks, parks, common areas of schools or apartment buildings, and any privately-owned business open to the public. Exemptions cover minors accompanied by a parent or authorized adult, those on a parental errand, minors in interstate travel, those engaged in employment, emergency situations, minors within 50 feet of home, attendance at supervised school or civic activities, First Amendment activities supervised by adults, attendance at approved public entertainment, and emancipated minors or those on active military duty. Before acting, officers must ask the minor's age and reason for being out.
Violations & Fines
Minor: fine up to $500 or imprisonment up to 6 months, or both. Parent/guardian who knowingly permits or allows violation by insufficient control: guilty of a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is curfew for minors in unincorporated LA County?
Can my teenager walk home from a late movie without violating curfew?
Are parents liable if their child breaks curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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