Landings Neighbors

Landings Neighbors

Hennepin County Curfew Law

Kids have curfews in Hennepin County. And it’s not just to keep your kids out of trouble – it’s to protect them from becoming victims as well.

Under age 12, curfews are from:

9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday to 5 a.m. the next day.
10 p.m. Friday or Saturday to 5 a.m. the next day.

Ages 12 to 14:
10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday to 5 a.m. the next day.
11 p.m. Friday or Saturday to 5 a.m. the next day.

Ages 15 to 17:
11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday to 5 a.m. the next day.
12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. Saturday or Sunday.

Law enforcement officers can ask for information about why a juvenile is out after curfew. They can’t issue a citation, detain someone or take them into custody unless, after speaking to the child and considering the circumstances, they reasonably believe the child has violated the ordinance and no exceptions apply.

What are the exceptions for curfew? If a child can prove that:

They are accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult.
They are working or going to and from work.
There is an emergency situation.
They are going to, attending or coming home from an official school, religious or recreational activity, sponsored or supervised by a public entity or civic organization.
They are on an errand at the direction of a parent or guardian.

If the officer reasonably believes the juvenile has violated the ordinance, they may detain or take them into custody. Sanctions may include a fine up to $100, community service, a chemical dependency evaluation, a drug awareness or other outpatient treatment program, and will include probation.

The curfew ordinance doesn’t just apply to kids – it’s unlawful for a parent or guardian to knowingly, or through negligent supervision, permit a juvenile to be out after curfew. It’s also unlawful for the proprietor of an establishment to knowingly let a juvenile remain there during curfew hours. A defense is if they can show that they reasonably or in good faith relied on the juvenile’s proof of age, or promptly notified police that juveniles were on their property after curfew. Both offenses by parents or proprietors are misdemeanors, punishable by up to 90 days in jail.