Curfew Laws in Memphis, TN

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.

Park Curfew

Memphis parks close to the public overnight under a seasonal curfew: 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from March 15 through October 31, and 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from November 1 through March 14. Staying in a city park past closing is unlawful unless the city council has specifically authorized a special event, per Sec. 12-84-11.

Key details: Summer hours (Mar 15-Oct 31): Closed 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Winter hours (Nov 1-Mar 14): Closed 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Enforcing rule: Sec. 12-84-11, citywide general penalty applies. Exempt parks: Riverfront Development Corp downtown parks, museums. Default fine: Up to $50.00 per violation.

Remaining in a Memphis park past its posted closing time, without city council authorization for a special occasion, is a misdemeanor under Sec. 12-84-11 that defaults to the general penalty at Sec. 1-24-1: a fine of up to $50.00 for each violation, set at the city judge's discretion. Park rangers and police can cite violators on the spot; the Riverfront Development Corporation's downtown parks and any on-site museums are not subject to this curfew or its penalty.

Juvenile Curfew

Memphis bars minors from public streets, parks and other public places late at night: 17- and 18-year-olds face an 11 p.m. cutoff on weeknights (midnight weekends), while minors 16 and under face 10 p.m. weeknights and 11 p.m. weekends, all until 6 a.m. Nine listed exceptions cover work, school events and parental errands.

Key details: Ages 17–18, weeknights: 11:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.. Ages 17–18, weekends: Midnight–6:00 a.m.. Ages 16 and under, weeknights: 10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.. Ages 16 and under, weekends: 11:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.. Employment exception: 45 min. before/after shift, with proof.

A minor caught violating curfew commits an unruly act, handled through juvenile court under T.C.A. Title 37 rather than as a criminal charge. A parent or guardian who knowingly allows the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and can be fined up to $50.00 per offense under § 10-28-4(F), with each incident treated as a separate offense. Officers may instead return a first-time offender home with a warning under subsection E.

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

The Bottom Line

Memphis'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 Memphis is broadly strict or permissive.

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.