The city of Santa Clarita local ordinance 11.56.020,
makes it unlawful for minors (under age 18) to remain in public areas between
the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. Restricted areas include public
streets, avenues, highways, roads, curb areas, places of amusement, eateries,
vacant lots and unsupervised areas.
The ordinance, often referred to as the "curfew ordinance," was
created to help keep minors from loitering within city limits. It is not
meant to preclude young people from having fun. Additionally, there are
several exceptions to the ordinance. These include:
* when the minor is accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian,
or by his or her spouse who is over age 18;
* when the minor is on a parent-directed errand without detour or
stop;
* when the minor is in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel;
* when the minor is involved in employment activity or going to
or from work without detour or stop;
* when the minor is involved in an emergency situation;
* when the minor is attending an official school or religious activity,
or a recreational activity sponsored by the city, a civic organization
or a similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor going to or
from the event without detour or stop.
A $411.00 ticket will be issued for
the first violation of the ordinance. If left
unpaid, the minor's driver's license may be suspended. Alternately,
if the minor is not yet licensed, he or she will not be issued a driver's
license until restitution is made for the citation.
Over the last several months, the Sheriff's Department has tried
to increase public awareness about the intent and restrictions of this
ordinance. The main focus of the restriction is to deter minors from committing
crimes late at night like tagging.
So, what is legal after 10 p.m.? Here are a few examples of acceptable
activities for you, as a minor:
* You just got off work at Magic Mountain and are driving yourself
and a friend home.
* You are driving on the 14 Freeway at 5:30 a.m., en-route to Lake
Havasu to go wake-boarding.
* It's 10:30 p.m., the movie you saw just let out, and you are going
straight home.
* Your parent asks you to go to the 24-hour pharmacy to get some
medicine.
* Your friend calls and says she just accidentally cut herself,
her parents aren't home, and she needs to go to the hospital for stitches
and asks you for a ride.
* You just went to Sportsmania at the Santa Clarita Activities Center
and you are driving straight home.
While these are just a few examples of appropriate activity, there
are other instances where a minor would not receive a ticket. The thing
to remember, though, is that these are exceptions. Minors still must obey
the curfew ordinance and cannot loiter during restricted hours.
You should also know the SCV Sheriff's Station does not conduct
"curfew sweeps," nor are there quotas or contests to see who can write
the most curfew tickets. Deputies are quite busy investigating crimes and
keeping the city safe. Teenagers are not targeted. However, when problem
areas are brought to the attention of the Sheriff's Department, like at
Canyon Park, Mitchell School, or the field on top of Ridge View, the deputies
are obligated to take action.
The main point is this:
If you are under 18 and are out after 10 p.m., you may be stopped
and questioned. The sheriff's deputy will assess the situation and determine
the appropriate course of action from there.
The Fine for being out after Curfew is $411.00.