Newport Beach Police Offer Tips for a Safe Holiday

Every year thousands of people flock to Newport Beach to celebrate the Fourth of July, and many of them end up getting cited or land behind bars. 

In an effort to keep the number of incidents to a minimum this year, the Newport Beach Police Department is reminding residents and visitors to follow some basic rules.

Newport Beach police Sgt. Steve Burdette said the reminder is necessary because last year officers arrested 107 people and issued 334 citations and 531 parking citations.

"Once again the Police Department will utilize over 200 officers, including officers from the California Highway Patrol, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and surrounding Orange County police agencies," Burdette said in a released statement. 

Safety Tips 

1. During July 4, fines are tripled for municipal code violations in the Safety Enhancement Zone. This area is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the south, 32nd Street and Newport Blvd. on the east, Pacific Coast Highway on the north and 54th Street on the west. The designation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on July 4 to 3 a.m. on July 5. Violation of a municipal code in the area would result in a $300 fine.

2. Don't allow people to leave your party with alcoholic beverages or loiter on the sidewalk in front of your residence. A citation for this violation inside the Safety Enhancement Zone would result in a $300 fine, and you may be arrested.

3. Remember that disturbing the peace is illegal on both public and private property. Loud music, fighting, quarreling and offensive conduct, individually or collectively, may qualify as disturbing the peace and result in a misdemeanor.

4. If you plan to have loud music or a live band at your Fourth of July party, you will need to obtain a permit through the city. If you don't get one, you can receive a citation and risk a $300 fine. 

5. If an officer arrives at your party when it is loud and/or out of control, the officer can issue you a "disturbance advisement card," which can result in fines up to $750 for the tenant and $1000 for the property owner.

6. Click here for the city’s municipal code to make sure you know the rules and regulations of the city. 

7. Curfew for people under age 18 is 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. A violation could result in a citation and/or detention by a police officer. A citation for violation of curfew in the Safety Enhancement Zone during July 4 would result in a $300 fine.

8. Any adult found providing, selling or allowing minors to consume or use alcohol, marijuana, or any other type of drugs on their premises may be arrested. Police may also detain a minor found in possession of, has consumed, or is under the influence of, alcohol.

9. Minors cannot be present at parties where alcohol is being served without direct parental supervision.

10. Do not allow your party to become an “open” party. If party crashers arrive and will not leave, call the Newport Beach Police Department at 949-644-3717. Remember that you are responsible for whatever happens at your residence or rental property.

Don't Forget! 

"Unruly" Parties: The City Council recently passed a  that established steep fines for people and property owners involved in out-of-hand parties. Under the ordinance, individual partygoers, property owners, party hosts and tenants all face fines, which can reach $3,000. The Police Department recommends those planning to have a party keep their guest list small, control those who attend and keep the booze on private property.

Fireworks: Despite being available in neighboring cities, fireworks are illegal to possess and use in Newport.

Safety Enhancement Zone: On July 4, the area bordered by PCH, Newport Boulevard, 32th Street, 54th Street and the ocean becomes the Safety Enhancement Zone. Fines for citations handed out in the area during the holiday will be tripled, according to the Police Department.

Motorist Tips

Peninsula Access: This year, Newport Boulevard will be the only route for getting onto the peninsula, according to the Police Department. West Balboa Boulevard toward the peninsula will be closed at Pacific Coast Highway to vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between noon and 6 p.m. on July 4.

Parking: People planning to visit the peninsula on July 4 are encouraged to carpool. Parking spaces fill up early. City parking lots at City Hall and Superior Avenue will be closed at 5 p.m. July 3 until 7 a.m. July 5. There will be a significant number of parking control officers. If you park illegally, expect to get cited or towed.

Anyone with questions or concerns may call the Police Department's public information line at 949-644-3696.