El Paso's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

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

Juvenile Curfew

El Paso enforces a juvenile curfew ordinance under the Municipal Code. Minors under 17 years of age are prohibited from being in public places during curfew hours. The curfew runs from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM Sunday through Thursday and 12:00 midnight to 6:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. There is also a daytime curfew during school hours for school-age minors. Parents or guardians who knowingly allow their child to violate curfew may also face citations.

Key details: Age: Under 17 years old. Sun-Thu: 11 PM to 6 AM. Fri-Sat: Midnight to 6 AM. Daytime: School-hours curfew for school-age minors. Parent Liability: Parents may be cited for violations.

Curfew violations result in citations for the minor and potentially for the parent or guardian. Fines apply for each offense with escalating penalties for repeat violations.

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

Park Curfew

El Paso Parks and Recreation Department enforces park curfews. City parks are generally closed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM unless otherwise posted or authorized for special events. The park curfew applies to all persons regardless of age. Exceptions exist for organized events with city permits and facilities with extended operating hours such as sports complexes with scheduled evening activities. El Paso police and park rangers enforce park closure hours.

Key details: Closing Time: 10 PM (unless otherwise posted). Opening Time: 6 AM. Applies To: All persons — not just minors. Enforcement: El Paso PD and park rangers. Camping: Prohibited without authorization.

Remaining in a park after hours may result in citations for criminal trespass. Vehicles in park lots after closing may be towed at the owner's expense.

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

The Bottom Line

El Paso 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 El Paso, 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 El Paso 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.