Fort Wayne's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Fort Wayne maintains 130 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 Fort Wayne falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Juvenile Curfew

Fort Wayne enforces a juvenile curfew aligned with Indiana Code 31-37-3. Children under 15 may not be in public places after 11 PM or before 5 AM. Ages 15-17 may not be in public places from 1 AM to 5 AM Saturday and Sunday, or 11 PM to 5 AM other nights.

Key details: State Law: IC 31-37-3. Under 15: 11 PM to 5 AM daily. 15-17 Weekend: 1 AM to 5 AM. 15-17 Weeknight: 11 PM to 5 AM. Exceptions: Parent, work, First Amendment.

Juveniles referred to juvenile court or released to parents. Parents may face civil penalties for repeat violations under IC 31-37-19.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Fort Wayne actively enforces its juvenile curfew requirements.

Park Curfew

Fort Wayne parks are generally closed from 11 PM to 6 AM. Entering or remaining in a park during closed hours is a trespass violation under City Code. Headwaters Park and special event permits may have different hours.

Key details: Standard Hours: 11 PM to 6 AM closed. Enforcement: Police and Park Rangers. Trespass: IC 35-43-2-2 Class C misdemeanor. Exceptions: Permitted events. Camping: Designated sites only.

Warning on first contact; citation or arrest under IC 35-43-2-2 trespass for refusal to leave or repeat violations.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Fort Wayne actively enforces its park curfew requirements.

The Bottom Line

Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne, 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 Fort Wayne 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.