Dallas's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

If you live in Dallas or are thinking about moving there, curfew laws are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Dallas has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of curfew laws, and some of them might surprise you.

Juvenile Curfew

Dallas enforces one of Texas's strictest juvenile curfews: minors under 17 banned from public places 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM Sunday-Thursday and 12:01 AM to 6:00 AM Friday-Saturday. A daytime curfew runs 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM on school days. Parents and establishment owners face fines up to $500.

Key details: Age Cutoff:: Age cutoff: under 17. Sun-Thu Nights:: Sun-Thu nights: 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Fri/Sat Nights:: Fri/Sat nights: 12:01 AM to 6:00 AM. Curfew Hours: Daytime school curfew: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Exceptions: Exceptions: parent escort, work, school event.

A violation is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. Parents and establishment owners who knowingly permit a violation face the same fine. The Juvenile Case Manager Program may order community service or parenting classes.

This is one of the stricter rules in Dallas's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Park Curfew

Dallas City Code Chapter 32, Sec. 32-9.1 establishes park closure hours. Public parks are closed from 11 PM to 5 AM. A person commits an offense if they are on the premises of a public park or park amenity during hours in which the park is closed. Individual park amenities may have separately posted operating hours established by the Park Board under Sec. 32-9. Golf courses and specific recreation centers follow their own posted schedules.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 32, Sec. 32-9.1. Closure Hours: 11 PM to 5 AM. Offense: Being in a closed park is a criminal offense. Amenities: May have separately posted hours (Sec. 32-9). Golf Courses: Follow posted schedule.

After-hours trespassing: $50 to $250 citation. Unauthorized camping: $100 to $500. Vandalism during closed hours: criminal charges.

This is one of the stricter rules in Dallas's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Dallas is tougher than many cities when it comes to curfew laws. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Dallas, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Dallas 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.