Santa Clarita, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Who is covered
- Minors subject to compulsory school attendance
- Prohibited time
- Designated school hours on a school day
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
- Repeat-offense fine
- Up to $250 within the same year
- Possible relief
- Fine set aside after 60 clean days + classes
Summary
Santa Clarita Municipal Code Section 11.57.020 bars any minor subject to compulsory school attendance from loitering on public streets, parks, or other public places during school hours on days school is in session. Officers can cite a truant minor directly to juvenile court, and Section 11.57.040 sets fines up to $100 for a first offense and $250 for later offenses in the same year.
No minor under the age of eighteen (18) who is subject to compulsory education or subject to compulsory continuing education, shall alone or in concert with others remain upon the public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds, or other public grounds, public places, public buildings, places of amusement and eating places, vacant lots, or any place open to the public during the designated school hours of the individual or individuals in question. ... Any person convicted of wilfully violating this chapter is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the first offense within a one-year period and not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for subsequent offenses within a one-year period and/or performance of community service for a total time not to exceed ten (10) hours over a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.
Full Breakdown
020 makes it unlawful for a minor under eighteen who is subject to compulsory education to "remain," alone or with others, on public streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds, public buildings, places of amusement, or any place open to the public during that minor's designated school hours on a day school is in session. 030 lists valid excuses that override the prohibition: a written excuse from a parent or guardian explaining the absence, being accompanied by a parent or guardian, running a parent-directed emergency errand, going directly to or from a job or a medical appointment, holding a valid school-issued off-campus lunch permit, or being lawfully engaged in a business, trade, or occupation.
040 lets the officer choose between issuing a citation to juvenile traffic court or filing a Welfare and Institutions Code Section 601 or 602 petition. A cited minor must appear in court accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; if the parent fails to appear, the court continues the hearing and orders the parent to appear at the rescheduled date. The fine is up to $100 for a first offense within a year and up to $250 for each subsequent offense within that year, plus up to ten hours of community service over no more than thirty days.
A court may set the fine aside if, after sixty days, the minor has no further unexcused absences, the parents complete a court-approved parenting class, and the minor performs sixteen hours of approved community service.
Violations & Fines
A first daytime-loitering infraction is punishable by a fine up to $100, rising to $250 for each subsequent offense within one year, plus up to ten hours of community service under Section 11.57.040. The cited minor must appear in court with a parent or guardian, and a parent who skips the hearing can be ordered to appear at a continued date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my teenager be cited just for being at the park during school hours?
What fine does a minor face for daytime loitering?
Can the fine be waived?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clarita
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