How Billings Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide

Billings maintains 114 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 Billings falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Park Curfew

Billings city parks open at 5:00 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m. every day, and staying in a park after closing is a violation on its own.

Key details: Opens: 5:00 a.m. daily. Closes: 10:00 p.m. daily. Hours posted: At each park. Privilege suspension: Up to 30 days. Max fine: $500.

Park staff or police can order violators to leave and suspend park privileges up to 30 days (Sec. 19-211); remaining after hours can also be prosecuted under the general penalty (Sec. 1-110): up to a $500 fine, 6 months jail, or both.

Juvenile Curfew

Billings bars minors under 18 from public streets and parks late at night, with tighter hours for kids under 12.

Key details: Under 12 curfew: 9:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.. Under 18 curfew: 11:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.. Weekend/summer curfew: Midnight-6:00 a.m.. Max penalty (parent/guardian): $500 fine, 6 months jail.

Police take the minor home and notify the parent or guardian in writing within 24 hours; a parent who knowingly lets a minor violate curfew faces a misdemeanor fine up to $500 and/or up to 6 months jail under Sec. 1-110.

The Bottom Line

Billings'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 Billings is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Billings's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.