Ventura County, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Applies to
- Persons under 18
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 6 months jail
- Exception
- Accompanied by parent or adult spouse
Summary
Minors under 18 may not loiter in public places between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. in unincorporated Ventura County unless with a parent or adult spouse.
No person under the age of eighteen years shall loiter in or about a public street or other public place or place open to the public between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of any day when not accompanied by his parent or legal guardian having legal custody and control of such person, or by the spouse over eighteen years of age of such person.
6249-1 - Parent's acts. No parent, guardian, or other person having legal custody or control of any person under the age of eighteen years shall aid, abet or encourage such person described in Section 6249 to violate said section.
6249-2 - Definition. The word "loiter" as used in Section 6249 is defined to mean to idle, to loaf, to stand idly by, or to walk, drive or ride about aimlessly.
6249-3 - Violations. Each and every violation of the provisions of Sections 6249 and 6249-1 is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding six months or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
The county's juvenile loitering ordinance makes it unlawful for anyone under 18 to loiter, defined as idling, loafing, standing idly by, or driving or walking about aimlessly, in or about a public street or place open to the public between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a spouse over 18. Parents or guardians who aid, abet or encourage a violation are also liable.
Violations & Fines
Violating the loitering curfew, or a parent knowingly permitting it, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine, up to six months in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a general adult loitering law too?
Can my 17-year-old walk to a friend's house at 11 p.m.?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura County
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