San Bernardino County, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- County Code § 25.0202
- Max fine
- $250 per infraction
- Community service
- Up to 20 hours, 30 days
- Applies to
- Under-18s, unincorporated county only
- Enacted
- Ord. 3653, amended Ord. 3719
Summary
San Bernardino County bans school-age minors from loitering in public places countywide during school hours, unless they have a valid excuse like an emergency errand or a medical appointment.
It is unlawful for any minor under the age of 18 years, who is subject to compulsory education or to compulsory continuation education, to loiter, idle, wander, stroll or play in or upon public street, highway, road, alley, park, playground, parking area, or other public ground, public place or public building, place of amusement or eating place, vacant lot, or any place open to the public in the unincorporated area of the County of San Bernardino, State of California, during those hours that his or her school is in session.
(b) Parents/Guardians. It is unlawful for the parent or guardian of any minor to knowingly permit or by insufficient control to allow the minor to be in violation of § 25.0202(a). (Ord. 3653, passed - -1996; Am. Ord. 3719, passed - -1998)
Full Breakdown
County Code § 25.0202 makes it an infraction for any minor under 18 subject to compulsory education to loiter, idle, wander, stroll or play in streets, parks, parking areas, vacant lots or any other place open to the public in the unincorporated county while school is in session. Parents or guardians who knowingly permit the truancy violate the law too. Seven listed excuses cover minors accompanied by an adult, running an emergency errand, traveling to verified work or a medical appointment, using a school-issued lunch pass, or attending a school-sponsored activity. The ordinance reaches only the unincorporated area, not San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, Victorville or the county's other 20 incorporated cities, each of which handles truancy under its own municipal code.
Violations & Fines
Minor's first violation: infraction, fine up to $250 and up to 20 hours community service over 30 days. Parent's violation for permitting it: up to $250. Minor must appear in court with a parent or guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a teenager be cited for walking around during school hours?
Does this loitering ban apply inside the city of San Bernardino?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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