Lakewood's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Lakewood, Colorado, 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

Lakewood, Colorado parks without posted hours close daily at 10:00 p.m. and reopen at 5:00 a.m.; being in a park after the Director declares it closed is unlawful under Municipal Code § 9.32.070.

Key details: Default closed hours: 10:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m.. Posted hours control: When signs are present. Director override: Can close any time. Enforced by: Park Rangers, Police.

Being in a Lakewood park after posted or default closing hours (10:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m.) is a municipal offense subject to the general penalty: up to $2,650 fine and/or up to 365 days imprisonment (Lakewood Municipal Code § 1.16.020(A)).

Juvenile Curfew

The City of Lakewood, Colorado (Jefferson County) bars anyone under 18 from loitering in public places between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weeknights, and midnight to 6 a.m. on weekends.

Key details: Enforcing law: Lakewood Municipal Code § 9.51.030. Weeknight hours: 11:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.. Weekend hours: 12:00 a.m.–6:00 a.m.. Parental liability: Separate offense under § 9.51.040.

Being out in public unaccompanied during curfew hours is citable for the juvenile, and a parent or guardian who knowingly allows it can also be cited.

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

The Bottom Line

Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

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