Amarillo's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Amarillo, Texas, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Juvenile Curfew

Amarillo's curfew ordinance bars anyone under 17 from public places or businesses between 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Parents, guardians, and business operators who knowingly let a minor violate it face the same penalty, though nine specific defenses, including work, errands, and supervised activities, can excuse the minor.

Key details: Curfew hours: 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Covers: Anyone under 17. Officer duty: Ask age/reason before citing. Defenses: 9 listed in Sec. 10-3-73. Max fine: $500.00 per offense.

Violating the curfew is punishable under the Chapter 10-3 penalty clause, Sec. 10-3-75(a): a fine of up to $500.00 per offense, with each day, or part of a day, treated as a separate offense. A minor's case is referred to juvenile court rather than handled by Municipal Court's own jurisdiction, per Sec. 10-3-75(b) and Texas Family Code Sec. 51.08.

Compared to other cities, Amarillo takes a harder line on juvenile curfew. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Park Curfew

Amarillo parks and playgrounds, including their streets and parking areas, are off-limits without a permit between midnight and 5 a.m., and the Amarillo Skate Park additionally closes from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise unless it has overhead lighting.

Key details: General park curfew: Midnight to 5:00 a.m., no permit. Skate park curfew: 30 min before sunset to 30 min after sunrise. Lighted skate park: Follows regular park hours instead. Extended hours: Requires Director of Parks permit. Max fine: $500 per offense, per day.

Entering, remaining in, or using a park during closed hours without a Director-issued permit is a misdemeanor under Section 12-7-15(a), fined under the citywide general penalty in Section 1-1-5(a) up to $500, with each day of a continuing violation prosecuted as a separate offense. The city may also pursue civil remedies or permit revocation independent of the criminal fine.

The Bottom Line

Amarillo'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 Amarillo is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Amarillo 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.