Minneapolis's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, 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

Minneapolis parks close to the public from midnight to 6 a.m., with undeveloped park areas closing even earlier, at 10 p.m.

Key details: General park hours: Closed midnight-6 a.m.. Undeveloped areas: Closed 10 p.m.-6 a.m.. Exempt: Permitted activities, lit through-routes. Max penalty: $1,000 fine / 90 days.

Fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days jail, or both, under the Park Board Code's general penalty section.

Juvenile Curfew

Minneapolis bars anyone under eighteen from public places during set curfew hours: under-15s from 10 p.m. (11 p.m. Friday and Saturday) until 4 a.m., and 15-to-17-year-olds from 12:01 a.m. until 4 a.m., unless a responsible adult is along.

Key details: Under 15: 10pm-4am (11pm Fri/Sat nights). Ages 15-17: 12:01am-4am daily. Enforcement: Arrest or citation tag. Businesses: Must expel lingering minors, notify police. Parents: Risk misdemeanor for enabling neglect.

Officers may arrest a violator or issue a citation tag on the spot (§ 395.70). Proprietors who fail to expel a lingering minor and notify police violate § 395.50. Enabling parents face a misdemeanor under § 395.40.

The Bottom Line

Minneapolis'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 Minneapolis is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Minneapolis's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.