Des Plaines's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Des Plaines, Illinois, 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

Des Plaines enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.

Key details: Age: Under 17 (varies by city). School Nights: 11 PM to 6 AM. Weekends: 12 AM to 6 AM. Exceptions: Work, school events, parents.

First offense: warning and parental notification. Repeat: $50 to $500 fine to parents. Habitual violations: referral to juvenile court.

Park Curfew

Des Plaines Park District parks are generally closed from dusk (or 10:00 PM) to sunrise unless a permit is issued for after-hours use. Lake Park, Lake Opeka, and other district facilities post specific hours that override the general rule.

Key details: General Closing Time: 10 PM or dusk. Reopening: Sunrise. After-hours Use: Permit required. Forest Preserve Trails: Sunrise to sunset. Enforcement: Park Police + DPPD.

Park curfew violations: $50-$500 per occurrence. Vehicles in lots after closing may be ticketed or towed. Minors may face additional juvenile curfew citations.

The Bottom Line

Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Des Plaines's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.