Erie's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Erie, Pennsylvania, 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.

Park Curfew

Erie parks and public playgrounds are open to the public only from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., with named exceptions for golf courses, one park open until 9:30 p.m., and several parks that stay open 24 hours a day.

Key details: Default park hours: 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.. 24-hour parks: 14 named parks (e.g., Frontier, Griswold). Golf courses: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.. Baldwin Park: 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.. Penalty: $10-$300 fine or up to 90 days jail.

Being in a park outside its posted hours, or in an area posted 'Closed to the Public' under Section 955.07(e), is enforced under Article 955's general penalty, Section 955.99: a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $300 plus prosecution costs, or, if the fine is unpaid, imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Section 955.10 authorizes the Director, park attendants, or police officers to eject anyone violating the article, including presence after closing.

Juvenile Curfew

Erie bars anyone under 18 from being in a public place, in an establishment, or in a parked or moving vehicle between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. every night unless a listed exception applies. Police may cite the minor and/or a knowingly-permitting parent or business operator.

Key details: Curfew hours: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Applies to: Unmarried, unemancipated persons under 18. Exceptions: 10 listed, incl. work, errands, emergencies. Parent liability: Knowing violation is separately unlawful. Business liability: Operators knowingly allowing minors after hours.

Article 738 does not carry its own numbered fine schedule distinct from the general citation process; officers issue a citation against the minor and/or the parent or operator once they reasonably determine no exception applies, following the mandatory age-and-reason inquiry required by Section 738.07. Business operators who knowingly let a minor remain after hours are separately citable under Section 738.05.

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

The Bottom Line

Erie'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 Erie is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Erie's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.