Why New Orleans Has Some of the Strictest Curfew Laws in the State

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

Juvenile Curfew

New Orleans enforces a juvenile curfew under City Code. Minors under 17 are prohibited from being in public places during curfew hours: 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM Friday and Saturday. The curfew is among the strictest in the country, especially on weeknights.

Key details: Age: Under 17. Sun-Thu Hours: 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Fri-Sat Hours: 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Exceptions: With parent, work, school/religious events, emergencies. Parental Liability: Parents may be fined for violations.

First offenses result in warnings and parental notification. Repeat violations may result in fines, community service, and juvenile court referral. Parents may face separate fines.

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

Park Curfew

New Orleans city parks generally close at dusk or at posted hours and reopen at dawn. The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) manages park hours. Unauthorized presence in parks after hours is an offense that may result in citation or arrest by NOPD.

Key details: Park Hours: Dawn to dusk or posted hours. Major Parks: Audubon Park, City Park have specific hours. Management: NORDC and Audubon Commission. Enforcement: NOPD and park security. Vehicle Towing: After park closing hours.

Being in a city park after posted hours is a misdemeanor. Violations may result in citations, fines, and arrest. Vehicles may be towed at the owner's expense.

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

The Bottom Line

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

All of the above reflects New Orleans'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.