Soledad Municipal Code Ch. 9.08 Curfew

City has a compelling interest in protecting the safety and welfare of its minors. The objectives in enacting this chapter are to reduce juvenile crime and juvenile victimization, recognizing that minors have a special vulnerability to the dangers of the streets at night.

The city council finds and determines that it is in the best interest of members of the community to establish a curfew as set forth in this chapter to prevent minors under the age of eighteen years from becoming victims or participants in street gangs and gang-related activities. It is the intent of the city council to allow minors under the age of eighteen years to move about freely while participating in legitimate activities, and to pursue legitimate activities during the hours specified in Section 9.08.010 with the permission of his or her parent, guardian, or other adult person having the lawful care and custody of the minor.

(Ord. 555 § 1, 1998)

It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen years to be in or upon any public street, lane, alley, public park, playground or other public grounds, public places and public buildings, or vacant lots, either on foot or in a vehicle, between the hours of ten p.m. and five a.m. of the following day, Pacific Standard or Pacific Daylight Time.

(Ord. 555 § 2, 1998: Ord. 520 § 1 (Exbt. A) (part), 1993)

A. Any minor violating the provisions of Section 9.08.010 shall be dealt with in accordance with the Juvenile Court Law of the state of California.

B. Any parent, guardian or other adult person having the lawful care and custody of a minor violating any provisions of this chapter is guilty of an infraction, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine as established by the bail schedule adopted by the judges of the Monterey County municipal court.

(Ord. 520 § 1 (Exbt. A) (part), 1993)

The restrictions set forth in Section 9.08.010 shall not apply to the following:

A. A minor accompanied by his or her parent, guardian, or other adult person having the lawful care and custody of the minor, or engaged in an emergency errand on behalf of such an individual;

B. A minor returning directly home from a meeting, entertainment, recreational activity, or dance;

C. A minor in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel;

D. A minor engaged in legitimate activities relating to employment;

E. A minor exercising rights protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, such as the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, and the right of assembly.

(Ord. 555 § 3, 1998)