Visalia, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Applies to
- Persons under 18
- First offense fine
- Up to $50
- Second offense fine (within 1 year)
- Up to $100
- Subsequent offenses (within 1 year)
- Up to $250 each
- Parental liability
- Yes: if minor cannot pay, parent or guardian is liable
Summary
Minors under 18 cannot be in public places between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without an adult, unless they qualify for one of several listed exceptions such as returning from an event, working, or running a parental errand.
It is unlawful for any minor to loiter, wander idle, stroll, ride or drive about aimlessly in or upon any public street, curb area, sidewalk, alley, park, playground, public place, public building, place of amusement or eating place, parking lot or unsupervised place between the hours of eleven p.m. and five a.m. of the immediate following day. (Prior code § 5706) ... A. It is unlawful and an infraction to violate Section 9.08.040 of this chapter. B. Any person convicted of an infraction under this chapter shall be punished by: (1) a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) for a first violation; (2) a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the second violation of this chapter within one year; and (3) a fine not exceeding two-hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for each additional violation of this chapter within one year. C. Any minor convicted under section (B) of this section who is unable to pay the fine, the parent(s), guardian or other person having legal care, custody or control become personally liable for the fine imposed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-50: Municipal Code contains Supplement, current through Ordinance 2025-15, passed 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Visalia Municipal Code § 9.08.040 makes it unlawful for any minor to 'loiter, wander idle, stroll, ride or drive about aimlessly' in any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, parking lot, or public place between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Exceptions in § 9.08.050 cover minors accompanied by a parent, guardian, or adult sibling (18+); those on a parental errand or responding to an emergency; minors working within the scope of employment; those on their home property; those returning directly from a public event (movie, concert, sporting event); and those engaged in constitutionally protected activities such as religious or school meetings. Violations are infractions with escalating fines. If a convicted minor cannot pay, the parent or guardian bears personal liability.
Violations & Fines
Infraction. First offense: fine up to $50. Second violation within one year: up to $100. Each additional violation within one year: up to $250. If the convicted minor is unable to pay, the parent or guardian having legal care or custody becomes personally liable for the fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my teenager walk home from a movie that ends after 11 p.m.?
My 17-year-old works a late shift. Does the curfew apply?
What happens if my child gets a curfew citation but cannot pay the fine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Visalia
California rules heatmap·Compare Visalia to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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