Whittier, CA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime curfew hours
- 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Daytime curfew ages/hours
- 6-18, school days 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- First adult/operator fine
- up to $100
- Repeat fine within 1 year
- up to $500
- Detention cost recovery cap
- $500
- Adopted
- Ord. 2718 (1997) and Ord. 2719 (1997)
Summary
Whittier bans minors under 18 from public places and business premises between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. under its nighttime curfew, and bans minors ages 6 to 18 from public places between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on school days under a companion daytime curfew. Parents, guardians and business operators who knowingly allow a violation face escalating fines, and the minor faces a misdemeanor.
"Curfew hours" means the period from ten p.m. any evening of the week, until six a.m. the following day. ... A.It is unlawful for any minor to be present in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the city during curfew hours.B.It is unlawful for any parent or guardian of a minor to knowingly permit, or by insufficient control to allow, the minor to remain in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the city during curfew hours. ... Any minor who violates the provisions of Section 9.40.030 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor upon conviction thereof. ... A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars for a first violation. A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year. A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year.
Full Breakdown
every night and makes it unlawful for any minor to be present in a public place or on an establishment's premises during those hours; a parent or guardian who knowingly permits it, or an establishment owner, operator or employee who knowingly allows it, is separately liable. on days school is in session. Both chapters carry the same statutory defenses: the minor was accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult; on an errand or commuting to work without detour; involved in an emergency; on the sidewalk abutting their own residence; attending a supervised school, religious or recreational activity; or exercising First Amendment rights.
The daytime ordinance adds school-specific defenses such as a valid lunch pass, off-campus permit, work permit or documented medical appointment. Before citing or arresting anyone, a police officer must first ask the apparent offender's age and reason for being out, and may only proceed if no defense applies. If detaining a minor requires more than an hour of police supervision, the parent or guardian can be billed for the cost, capped at $500, with a right to appeal the bill to the city manager within 15 days.
Violations & Fines
A minor convicted under either curfew chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor handled through juvenile court. Parents, guardians, and establishment owners, operators or employees face infraction fines of up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same ordinance within a year, and $500 for each additional violation within that year, with each day of violation charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Whittier's minor curfew start?
Does Whittier also restrict minors during school hours?
Can Whittier police officers ticket a minor without asking questions first?
What can happen if my child is detained under the curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whittier
California rules heatmap·Compare Whittier to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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Juvenile Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle juvenile curfew.