United States California Halloween Rules and Regulations Questions

[magiksgirl]

Hi everyone! MagiksGirl here,

This year will be my first year attending Halloween festivities in California. I'm from across the border (Mexico), so I'm wondering if there are any rules or regulations in California for trick or treaters / costumers. Is there an age limit?

I'm planning on wearing a Star Wars costume complete with voice changing helmet, but in Mexico, adults are not allowed to roam the streets with fully concealed faces by masks or helmets. You can, however, wear one in a mall, a private party or, if the venue allows, a public party. I'm wondering if this would apply to the US as well.

Do you have any tips for me? I obviously don't want to break the law. I searched online for a bit and didn't quite find an answer to my question.

Thank you very much for any help! 

 

 

[MoochNNoodles]

Hmm....  I don't celebrate Halloween; but I can't think of ever hearing there was a law about costumes/masks.  I suppose it could vary by area.  I think most kids here stop Trick-or-Treating around age 12 or 13 unless they are taking a younger sibling.  Giving out candy is considered for kids as far as I remember.  Although I have heard of some people keeping special treats for the parents who are taking their kids from house to house.  I would assume the same age guideline is applicable everywhere.  Our local news stations website had some information on times and dates posted on their website.  Maybe yours does as well?

 

[swampwitch]

You obviously haven't heard of the San Diego Comic-Con! There are no rules or laws about costumes / cosplays in California. The exception being I wouldn't walk into a bank with a mask or hood, anywhere, any time.

There's no age limit for dressing up for Halloween, or trick or treating if your costume is decent. Just don't expect candy if you are older, although if your costume is good many people will offer it. Be careful wearing a helmet, though, the worst danger is falling. 

Please post pics.

 

[fyllis]

I agree with SwampWitch. I don't live in California - I am in Southeast Indiana, but still in the states. I am thinking any business establishment would not want or allow full face masks for safety purposes, but parties and other venues would be fine. You could always call your local non-emergency police number and ask, just to be sure! 

Have fun and be safe!

 

[magiksgirl]

 
Hmm....  I don't celebrate Halloween; but I can't think of ever hearing there was a law about costumes/masks.  I suppose it could vary by area.  I think most kids here stop Trick-or-Treating around age 12 or 13 unless they are taking a younger sibling.  Giving out candy is considered for kids as far as I remember.  Although I have heard of some people keeping special treats for the parents who are taking their kids from house to house.  I would assume the same age guideline is applicable everywhere.  Our local news stations website had some information on times and dates posted on their website.  Maybe yours does as well?

Ahh, Halloween is a rather newly "accepted" holiday in Mexico, so when I was at trick-or-treating age I wasn't allowed to or there weren't any houses that gave out candy

. I'm a HUGE fan of Halloween so I really would like to experience it in it's homeland (well... modern day homeland that it).

 
You obviously haven't heard of the San Diego Comic-Con! There are no rules or laws about costumes / cosplays in California. The exception being I wouldn't walk into a bank with a mask or hood, anywhere, any time.

There's no age limit for dressing up for Halloween, or trick or treating if your costume is decent. Just don't expect candy if you are older, although if your costume is good many people will offer it. Be careful wearing a helmet, though, the worst danger is falling. 

Please post pics.

SDCC! How could I forget that! 

 

I'm planning to go as Darth Vader (although I'm a girl 

), so I'm hoping that will be enough for SOME candy. Even so, I'll still be happy to just look at the decorations and other people's costumes. Speaking of that....I've attendended Mexico (MX) cons, and I love to take pictures of people, is that an ok thing to do at Halloween or could people take it the wrong way?

Ahhh yes, the helmet issue. I've worn the Clone Trooper helmet before in a mall and it's dark hard to walk with it on!

 

 Thank you for caring, I'll be very careful 

If I get any pics, I'll surely share them! 

 
I agree with SwampWitch. I don't live in California - I am in Southeast Indiana, but still in the states. I am thinking any business establishment would not want or allow full face masks for safety purposes, but parties and other venues would be fine. You could always call your local non-emergency police number and ask, just to be sure! 

Have fun and be safe!

I... didn't know there was a thing such as a "non-emergency police number"! 

 Thanks for that tip! 

 

[swampwitch]

A female Darth Vader is going to be a huge hit, especially among the guys. You will be offered candy, for sure, lol.

 

[fyllis]

I... didn't know there was a thing such as a "non-emergency police number"! 

 Thanks for that tip! 

Most all police stations have a non-emergency phone number.  911 is supposed to be strictly for Emergency Call ONLY!  Life and Death medical emergencies  (chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, unable to breathe/choking, allergic reaction with anaphylaxis), robbery or other crime in progress, physical harm/threat, car accident with injuries, or fire. If it is NOT an emergency (general questions like 'what are the rules/guidelines regarding Halloween costumes', 'how do I file a restraining order', or reporting a fender-bender car accident, my neighbors dog is barking, etc), you should call the non-emergency number.

Most numbers are listed in the front of the phone book - but who uses a phone book anymore? You can also call Information and request the number. I have all the numbers for Police, Fire, Utilities, and both Human and Animal Poison Control posted on my refrigerator.  

 

[magiksgirl]

 
A female Darth Vader is going to be a huge hit, especially among the guys. You will be offered candy, for sure, lol.

I'm not so sure about the attention from guys since I'm using a cosplay-y type costume: Black pants/leggings, black shirt, a belt, shoulder armor and cape, high heeled boots and, of course, the helmet. Nothing actually sexy about that

 I may have a Boba Fett with me as well or a Ninja turtle (boyfriend still deciding) 

 I hope we both get at least SOME candy 

 
Most all police stations have a non-emergency phone number.  911 is supposed to be strictly for Emergency Call ONLY!  Life and Death medical emergencies  (chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, unable to breathe/choking, allergic reaction with anaphylaxis), robbery or other crime in progress, physical harm/threat, car accident with injuries, or fire. If it is NOT an emergency (general questions like 'what are the rules/guidelines regarding Halloween costumes', 'how do I file a restraining order', or reporting a fender-bender car accident, my neighbors dog is barking, etc), you should call the non-emergency number.

Most numbers are listed in the front of the phone book - but who uses a phone book anymore? You can also call Information and request the number. I have all the numbers for Police, Fire, Utilities, and both Human and Animal Poison Control posted on my refrigerator.  

Good to know @Fyllis! I've actually never gone to the US before, so this is great information to know and take into account.