How Allentown Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide
Allentown maintains 134 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with curfew laws. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Allentown falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Juvenile Curfew
Allentown bars minors of compulsory school age from public places or businesses between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on school days. Custodians who knowingly allow it face the same penalty, and repeat violations carry fines up to $600.
Key details: Curfew hours: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. Applies: School days only, compulsory-age minors. First offense: Custody, ID, return to school. Repeat-offense fine: Up to $600 per offense. Custodian penalty: Up to $600 fine or 90 days jail.
A second daytime curfew offense in one school year draws a summary fine of up to $600 plus costs; nonpayment sends the matter to Juvenile Court. A custodian who knowingly lets a minor violate the curfew faces the same $600 fine and risks up to 90 days in jail if the fine and costs go unpaid.
Park Curfew
Allentown Code § 425-18 closes every city park from sunset to sunrise unless a permitted activity is underway or City Council designates otherwise. Posted signage marks each park's closing hours, and anyone found inside after dark without authorization is subject to Chapter 425's citation and fine schedule.
Key details: Park hours: Closed sunset to sunrise, daily. Governing section: Allentown Code § 425-18. Exceptions: Permitted events or City Council designation. Enforcement: Police and Parks & Recreation Bureau. Citation fine: $100 to $1,000 per offense.
Being in a closed park is a Chapter 425 violation subject to a $100 violation ticket under § 425-25, with a $25 add-on penalty if unpaid between days 11 and 20. Nonpayment converts the matter to a citation carrying a fine of $100 to $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail, and officers may simply order trespassers to leave without waiting for a citation to issue.
The Bottom Line
Allentown's curfew laws rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Allentown is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Allentown can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.