Curfew Laws in Memphis, TN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Memphis or are thinking about moving there, curfew laws are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Memphis has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of curfew laws, and some of them might surprise you.

Juvenile Curfew

Memphis enforces a juvenile curfew under Memphis City Code Chapter 9-24. Minors under 18 are prohibited from being in public places during curfew hours without a parent, guardian, or authorized adult. Curfew hours are 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 6:00 AM Friday and Saturday. Exceptions include minors traveling to or from work, school events, or emergencies. Parents can also be cited for allowing curfew violations. Memphis Police actively enforce the curfew.

Key details: Code Section: Memphis Code Ch. 9-24. Age: Under 18 years old. Sun-Thu Hours: 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Fri-Sat Hours: 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM. Parental Liability: Parents can be cited for violations.

First offense: warning and parental notification. Repeat: $50 to $500 fine to parents. Habitual violations: referral to juvenile court.

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

Park Curfew

Memphis city parks are closed to the public from dusk (or posted closing time) until dawn. Memphis Code Title 12 governs parks and public places. Persons found in city parks after closing hours are subject to citation by Memphis Police or Park Rangers. Some parks have specific posted hours that differ from the general dusk-to-dawn rule. Special event permits may extend park hours for organized activities. The Shelby County park system has similar after-hours rules.

Key details: General Hours: Dusk to dawn closure. Code Section: Memphis Code Title 12 (Parks). Enforcement: Memphis Police and Park Rangers. Exceptions: Special event permits may extend hours. Posted Hours: Some parks have specific closing times.

After-hours trespassing: $50 to $250 citation. Unauthorized camping: $100 to $500. Vandalism during closed hours: criminal charges.

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

The Bottom Line

Memphis 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 Memphis, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Memphis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.