Juvenile Curfew Laws

Juvenile curfew laws are laws enacted at the city or county government level that prohibit anyone under 18 from being in public or in a business during certain hours. The hours are typically between 11 PM and 6 AM. The objectives of such laws is to prevent juvenile crime and maintain the general peace.

Almost all curfew jaws identify exemptions or exempted activities under which a juvenile may lawfully be out past the stated curfew. The exceptions vary by jurisdiction, but usually include emergencies; a minor is accompanied by a parent/guardian; a minor is going to and from work; a minor running an errand for an adult or parent/guardian; and a minor attending school or religious event. Violating a curfew is usually punishable with either a fine, detention in juvenile hall or jail, community service or required enrollment in an after-school program. In addition, a parent who knowingly allows their child to violate the curfew may also face fine or other punishment.

The state of Colorado does not has statewide juvenile curfew laws in place, but local city or town curfews are permitted. In Boulder, minors under 16 are not allowed to be out anytime between 11 PM and 5 AM. Exceptions include minors accompanied by a parent or guardian; a half-hour before or after employment hours; going to work; going on an errand for a parent or other adult; returning home from a sporting event, movie or theater; or exercising their First Amendment rights.

In Denver, minors under 18 are prohibited from being out between the hours of 11 PM and 5 AM on Sundays through Thursdays and between 12 midnight and 5 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Violators during the winter months receive a ticket; violators in the summer months are transported to a SafeNite Curfew Program center and held until their parent or guardian picks them up.