Livonia's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Livonia, Michigan, 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

Livonia Code § 9.42.010(A) makes it unlawful to be in any public park between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless the mayor orders otherwise, the police chief has issued a special-use permit, or the person is a city employee working there.

Key details: Park hours: Closed 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., § 9.42.010(A). Permit exception: Written application to police chief. Mayor's authority: May close any park entirely, (B). Alcohol in parks: Banned without chief-of-police permit, (C). Penalty: Up to $500 fine / 90 days, § 1.12.010.

Being in a Livonia park after 10 p.m. or before 6 a.m. without a chief-of-police permit is a misdemeanor under the citywide general penalty, Code § 1.12.010: up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, at the court's discretion.

Juvenile Curfew

Livonia bars anyone under 17 from loitering or being on public streets, parks or other public places between midnight and 6 a.m. under Code § 9.80.020(A), with exceptions for minors accompanied by a parent, working, or on a legitimate errand; a separate, earlier curfew covers children under 12.

Key details: Under-17 curfew: Midnight to 6 a.m., § 9.80.020(A). Under-12 curfew: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., § 9.80.010(A). Parental presumption: Presumed to have aided violation, (B). Minor enforcement: Handled by juvenile probate court. Adult penalty: Misdemeanor for aiding minor's violation.

A minor caught violating the midnight curfew is referred to the juvenile division of the probate court under Code § 1.12.010(C) rather than fined or jailed directly. A parent or other adult who aids, abets or encourages the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor under Section 9.80.020(B), punishable under the citywide general penalty of up to $500 and 90 days.

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

The Bottom Line

Livonia'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 Livonia is broadly strict or permissive.

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