When can kids go trick-or-treating alone? Are you too old? Here’s what California law says
It’s the time of the year when witches, pirates and zombies will come out seeking a treat on Halloween night.
Trick-or-treaters are typically young children hoping for candy to fill their pails — but what about teens and adults hoping to satisfy their sweet tooth?
In California, are there any laws regulating trick-or-treating?
Here’s what local law enforcement officials told us:
Does California have an age restriction for trick-or-treaters?
Sharon Bear, a spokesperson for the Modesto Police Department, said there is no California law that restricts age of trick-or-treaters.
“Whether a trick-or-treater appears to be too old is a subjective matter and can vary depending on personal preferences,” Bear said in an email to The Bee.
Additionally, Bear said there is no law that requires someone to give out candy to someone who looks “too old.”
“But we’d advise to be considerate and respectful in such situations,” Bear said.
At what age can kids go out alone on Halloween?
Cody Tapley, a spokesperson from the Sacramento Police Department said there is no law stating the age at which kids can go out alone on Halloween.
“The parents would best determine that,” Tapley wrote in an email to The Bee. “We always recommend that children travel with their parent or guardian, and recommend that you travel in groups when possible.”
But there are local age-based rules about curfew.
What curfew do children have to follow on Halloween night?
In Modesto, Bear said minors cannot be unaccompanied by a parent or guardian after a certain time. The city’s curfew is 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. for those under 16 years old. For older minors, the curfew is from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m.
“This can be enforced if a child is not accompanied by an adult and they become a nuisance by knocking on doors after curfew hours,” Bear said.
Sacramento’s curfew for any minor under the age of 18 is 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. when unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.
This story was originally published October 13, 2023 at 5:00 AM with the headline "When can kids go trick-or-treating alone? Are you too old? Here’s what California law says."
