Merced, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

The City of Merced sets formal park hours in Section 14.04.070 (Hours - Permit) of Chapter 14.04 (Park Rules), as amended by Ord. No. 2505, adopted December 2, 2019. It is unlawful and a misdemeanor, subject to punishment under Chapter 1.12 of the code, for any person to be or remain in any city park identified in Section 9.70.030 between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day from March 1 to October 31, or between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 1 to February 28/29, without a permit from the chief of police, director of parks and recreation, the city manager, or their designees. Section 14.04.070.B provides four exceptions: (1) city-sponsored events; (2) annual permit holders in parks with stadium-style lighting; (3) bike and other pedestrian paths used solely for passive recreation such as walking, bicycling, running, or jogging; and (4) lighted recreation facilities used for their intended purpose while the facility lights are on and in accordance with posted rules. The seasonal hours adopted in 2019 replaced the City's prior year-round 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. park curfew. This park-hours rule applies to everyone, not just minors; a separate minors' curfew (Section 9.24.020) independently restricts anyone under 18 from public places, including parks, after 10 p.m. Other Chapter 14.04 rules govern vehicle speed, driving on grass, and prohibited activities such as golfing in parks.