Temecula, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on school days
- Who is covered
- minors under 18 subject to compulsory education
- Exceptions
- 9 listed, incl. work permit, medical, school event
- Minor's first-offense fine
- up to $100
- Parent/guardian first-offense fine
- up to $100
- Classification
- infraction under TMC 9.16.050
Summary
Temecula bars any minor under 18 subject to compulsory education from being on public streets, parks, parking areas or other public places between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on school days under TMC 9.16.020, with exceptions for emergencies, work permits and parental accompaniment, backed by rising infraction fines.
It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen years, who is subject to compulsory education or to compulsory continuation education, alone or in concert with others, to be in or upon the public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds, parking areas, or other public grounds, public places or amusement and eating places, vacant lots or other unsupervised places or any place open to the public, between the hours of seven-thirty a.m. and two-thirty p.m. on days when the minor's school is in session. This provision shall also apply to minors whose enrollment status is that of suspension, expulsion, or transfers in progress.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862229; v11 updated 2026-04-14).
Full Breakdown
16, the Juvenile Loitering ordinance, was adopted after the council found a direct link between school attendance and daytime juvenile crime. on days the minor's school is in session; this also reaches minors who are suspended, expelled or mid-transfer. A parent or guardian who knowingly allows a minor to violate the rule is also liable. 030 lists nine exceptions, including being accompanied by a parent or guardian, an emergency, travel directly to or from a job with a school work permit, a medical appointment, an off-campus lunch pass, a school-sponsored event, emancipation, an excused absence under Education Code Section 48205, or home/tutor instruction under Education Code Sections 48222 or 48224. 040). 070).
Violations & Fines
A minor's first violation draws a fine up to $100, a second within the same year up to $150, and a third or subsequent violation within the year up to $250, plus any penalty available under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 258 (TMC 9.16.060). A parent or guardian faces the identical fine schedule, up to $100, $150, then $250, for violations of the chapter (9.16.080). A court can set aside these penalties if the minor shows no further unexcused absences, completes 20 hours of court-approved community service, and the family attends parenting classes and counseling as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours does Temecula's juvenile loitering law cover?
Are there exceptions to Temecula's daytime loitering rule for minors?
Can a parent be fined if their child violates Temecula's loitering law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Temecula
California rules heatmap·Compare Temecula to another location·View the California public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Loitering Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle loitering rules.