What is the curfew law and why does it exist?
The curfew law is in the Town of Los Gatos Municipal Code under Section 18.030.055 and states in part that “minors under the age of eighteen may not loiter, idle, wander, stroll or play in or upon public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other public grounds, public places and public buildings, places of amusement and entertainment, vacant lots or other unsupervised places in the Town between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and daylight the following day.” “Exceptions are: when the minor is with their parent or guardian, or if the minor is on an emergency errand or legitimate business directed by the minor’s parent or guardian, if the minor is returning directly home from a meeting, dance, entertainment or recreational activity.” Section 18.030.060 goes on to state that parents are in violation of the code if they permit their minor child to violate the curfew law. So, a minor can be at a school activity, ball game, dance, etc and if they are going directly home from there, they are not in violation. However, an officer may still stop them to ascertain where they are going or coming from and may call the minor’s parents to verify their whereabouts. The reason why the curfew law exists is primarily for the safety of the minor. After 10 p.m., more adults are out and could potentially have a negative influence on youth, including the potential for serious traffic collisions, sexual assault, encouraging drinking and/or using drugs, or kidnapping. Curfew laws also help to dissuade young people or minors from committing crimes in the evening hours.

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40. What is the curfew law and why does it exist?
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