Riverside, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- RMC § 9.08.110
- Developed parks
- Closed 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Undeveloped parks
- Closed sunset+30min to sunrise-30min
- Prohibited
- Any person/vehicle present in closed park
- Exceptions
- Permitted events, city business, reservation permit
- Emergency closure
- Director may close for fire, flood, riot, etc.
Summary
RMC § 9.08.110 closes all developed Riverside parks from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and undeveloped parks from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. Being present in a closed park is unlawful unless you fall under a listed exception.
All parks owned by the City of Riverside or to be hereafter owned by the City of Riverside, shall be closed from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for developed parks, and closed from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise for undeveloped parks... Closed parks. Subject to the exceptions as indicated in subsection C, it shall be unlawful for any person and/or vehicle to be present in or use any closed park as indicated in subsection A.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
m. Undeveloped parks, defined as land preserved for wildlife, habitat, and natural systems with minimal infrastructure, close from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. Subsection (B) makes it unlawful for any person or vehicle to be present in or use a closed park, subject to four exceptions in subsection (C): attending a Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department event or a permitted activity; conducting City business; engaged in an authorized City program; or holding a Facility Reservation permit specifically authorizing non-daylight-hour use.
Subsection (D) separately empowers the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director or a designee to close any park area during a flood, storm, fire, earthquake, explosion, accident, riot, or unlawful assembly, for as long as the danger exists, and makes it unlawful to knowingly enter or remain in an area closed under that emergency authority after notice to leave. The current hours were set by Ord. 7451 § 1 in 2018, amending an earlier version dating to Ord. 6526 in 2000. 110.
Violations & Fines
Being present in, or driving a vehicle into, a Riverside park after its posted closing hour violates § 9.08.110(B) unless a § 9.08.110(C) exception applies. Park Rangers, designated enforcement staff under § 1.01.115(B)(4), can cite violators, who are prosecuted under the Code's general penalty section, § 1.01.110, as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine, up to six months jail) or an infraction (up to $250).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk through a Riverside park after 10 p.m.?
What time do undeveloped parks or open space areas close?
Who enforces the park curfew in Riverside?
Can the City close a park early because of a wildfire or other emergency?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
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Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle park curfew.