Longmont's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Longmont, 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.

Juvenile Curfew

Minors under 18 can't be in a Longmont street, alley, park, playground, schoolyard or other public area between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, or between midnight and 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday, under Municipal Code § 10.32.010, with five listed affirmative defenses covering work, supervision, errands and religious services.

Key details: Weeknight curfew: 11 p.m.-5 a.m., Sun-Thu. Weekend curfew: midnight-5 a.m., Fri-Sat. Applies to: anyone under 18. Minor's penalty: fine only, up to $500, no jail. Parent/guardian penalty: up to $500 + 90 days, § 10.32.020.

A minor cited under § 10.32.010 faces only a fine, up to $500, and no jail time under § 1.12.020, since Longmont's code specifically bars incarcerating a minor except for chapter 11.04 traffic violations. A parent or guardian cited under § 10.32.020 for knowingly permitting the violation is an adult offense and faces the full Title 1.12.010 general penalty: up to $500 and up to 90 days.

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

Park Curfew

Longmont's community parks, breezeways and microplazas close nightly and reopen daily under Longmont Municipal Code § 13.20.090: public use runs 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Neighborhood parks, nature areas, greenways and dog parks instead follow sunrise-to-sunset hours set by the National Weather Service, with lighted facilities staying open until 10:00 p.m. Entering or remaining in a park after hours is a separately enumerated violation.

Key details: Community parks/breezeways/microplazas: 5:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. daily. Neighborhood parks/nature areas/dog parks: 1 hr before sunrise to 1 hr after sunset. Lighted facilities: open until 10:00 p.m.. Button Rock Preserve lots: same sunrise/sunset hours; overnight parking unlawful. After-hours entry: separate violation under §13.20.050(A)(1).

Being in a Longmont park, breezeway, microplaza, nature area or Button Rock Preserve parking lot outside its posted hours, or refusing to leave when hours end, violates § 13.20.050(A)(1) and is punishable under the chapter's penalty schedule in § 13.20.110: a $100.00 fine for a first offense, $200.00 for a second, and $300.00 to $500.00 for a third or later offense, none of which the municipal court may suspend or reduce.

The Bottom Line

Longmont'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 Longmont is broadly strict or permissive.

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