San Diego County, CA Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into San Diego Central Courthouse (San Diego County, CA). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Standing Order & CRC Rule 1.150. No lockers are needed at San Diego Central Courthouse because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security. Last checked
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- San Diego Central Courthouse
- Address
- 1100 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (619) 844-2700
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~11,678 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- Paid Parking (~$20/day)
- Designated Garage / Lot
- No Free Downtown Juror Parking (Little Italy / Ace Parking Garages $15–$30/day; Free Trolley Pass Provided)
- How to Validate
- CRITICAL: San Diego Central Courthouse (1100 Union St) has NO free or validated juror parking downtown! However, the court provides a free Pronto MTS Trolley/Bus pass in the Jury Lounge. Park free at Old Town Transit Center and take the Green/Blue Trolley 4 stops to Courthouse Station.
- Public Transit
- Served by San Diego local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (San Diego County)
Authority: Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Standing Order & CRC Rule 1.150 · Verification: Official .gov Administrative Order + Sheriff Security Desk Verification
| Rule / Amenity | San Diego County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Allowed (silent mode in courtrooms) | “Superior Court of California (San Diego Central Courthouse) CRC Rule 1.150 Notice: "Cell phones and electronic devices may be brought into the courthouse. All devices must be turned off or silenced inside courtrooms. Photographing, recording, or broadcasting in any courtroom or courthouse hallway is a misdemeanor/contempt of court."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones allowed on silent | “Superior Court of California (San Diego Central Courthouse) CRC Rule 1.150 Notice: "Cell phones and electronic devices may be brought into the courthouse. All devices must be turned off or silenced inside courtrooms. Photographing, recording, or broadcasting in any courtroom or courthouse hallway is a misdemeanor/contempt of court."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | No lockers needed (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (San Diego Central Courthouse): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | Safe for Uber/bus (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (San Diego Central Courthouse): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Paid parking ($20/day) · No Free Downtown Juror Parking (Little Italy / Ace Parking Garages $15–$30/day; Free Trolley Pass Provided) | “Superior Court of San Diego Juror Notice: "There is no free or validated juror parking at the Central Courthouse in Downtown San Diego. Jurors are strongly encouraged to park free at Old Town Transit Center and ride the MTS Trolley; free transit passes are issued in the Jury Lounge."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Superior Court of California (San Diego Central Courthouse) CRC Rule 1.150 Notice: "Cell phones and electronic devices may be brought into the courthouse. All devices must be turned off or silenced inside courtrooms. Photographing, recording, or broadcasting in any courtroom or courthouse hallway is a misdemeanor/contempt of court."” |
| Security line wait times | ~25 mins peak (arrive 35 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (25 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (San Diego County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches allowed (silent) | “Superior Court of California (San Diego Central Courthouse) CRC Rule 1.150 Notice: "Cell phones and electronic devices may be brought into the courthouse. All devices must be turned off or silenced inside courtrooms. Photographing, recording, or broadcasting in any courtroom or courthouse hallway is a misdemeanor/contempt of court."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in San Diego County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Central Courthouse Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 1100 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101 |
Allowed (Silent) | No lockers | $20/day (No Free Downtown Juror Parking (Little Italy / Ace Parking Garages $15–$30/day; Free Trolley Pass Provided)) |
| San Diego County Traffic & Misdemeanor Annex Traffic, Small Claims & Branch Court · Annex Facility, San Diego, CA 92101 |
Allowed (Silent) | No lockers on site | Surface lot / metered street parking around annex |
What to Know Before You Go to San Diego Central Courthouse
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in San Diego County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
You may bring your cell phone inside on silent mode. Do not take your phone out inside a courtroom unless the judge explicitly asks you to display digital proof of insurance or exhibits.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~25 minutes. Arrive at least 35 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in San Diego County, CA
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in San Diego County, CA, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to San Diego County Courthouse in San Diego, CA?
Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into San Diego Central Courthouse (San Diego County, CA). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Standing Order & CRC Rule 1.150.
Does San Diego County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
No lockers are needed at San Diego Central Courthouse because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security.
Where do I park for jury duty at San Diego County Courthouse and is it free?
Free parking is not available directly at the courthouse (No Free Downtown Juror Parking (Little Italy / Ace Parking Garages $15–$30/day; Free Trolley Pass Provided) costs ~$20/day). CRITICAL: San Diego Central Courthouse (1100 Union St) has NO free or validated juror parking downtown! However, the court provides a free Pronto MTS Trolley/Bus pass in the Jury Lounge. Park free at Old Town Transit Center and take the Green/Blue Trolley 4 stops to Courthouse Station.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to San Diego County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the San Diego County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at San Diego Central Courthouse and what is the dress code?
Expect a 25-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 35 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my San Diego County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (619) 844-2700 or consult a local San Diego County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
Before You Go
- California jury duty pay & laws
- What to bring to jury duty
- What to bring to traffic court
- Prohibited items at security
- Postpone jury duty / check reporting status
- Jury duty scam calls
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Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at San Diego Central Courthouse? Submit a verified update.