Quincy's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Quincy, Massachusetts, 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

Quincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) bars children under 16 from loitering on streets, parks, or public ways after 9:30 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or traveling to or from work.

Key details: Curfew age: Under 16 years old. Curfew start: 9:30 p.m.. Exceptions: Adult supervision or written work duty. Chapter: Ch. 208, Minors.

A child found loitering in public after 9:30 p.m. without an accompanying adult or a documented work/duty exception is in violation of § 208-1; the chapter does not list a specific fine for this section.

Park Curfew

Quincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) closes its public parks and playgrounds one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise, though the Department of Natural Resources can post different hours for specific sites.

Key details: Closes: 1 hr after sunset. Reopens: 1 hr before sunrise. Applies to: parks and playgrounds citywide. Exceptions: posted DNR notice. Governing chapter: Chapter 222.

Remaining in a Quincy park after the posted closing hour is unlawful; officers can order violators to leave and issue a citation under Chapter 222.

The Bottom Line

Quincy'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 Quincy is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Quincy can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.