How Salt Lake City Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide

Salt Lake City maintains 165 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with curfew laws. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Salt Lake City falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Park Curfew

Salt Lake City parks close to the public between 11:00 P.M. and 5:00 A.M., with earlier closing times set for several named parks and small parks under five acres.

Key details: Default closing time: 11:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M.. Small parks (under 5 acres): Close at 10:00 P.M.. Bird Refuge and Nature Park: Closes at 9:00 P.M.. Pioneer Park (Oct-Apr): Closes 30 min after sunset. Enforcing code section: City Code § 15.08.020.

Being in a closed park after hours is a class B misdemeanor under § 1.12.050 -- up to a $1,000 fine and 6 months in jail, unless the court treats it as a lesser offense.

Juvenile Curfew

Salt Lake City bars minors under 16 from public places 11 PM to 5 AM, and minors 16-17 from 1 AM to 5 AM, with listed exceptions.

Key details: Under 16 curfew: 11:00 PM - 5:00 AM. Ages 16-17 curfew: 1:00 AM - 5:00 AM. Parent/guardian liability: Also unlawful to permit violation. Default penalty: Class B misdemeanor.

Violation is a class B misdemeanor by default under § 1.12.050: up to a $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail per city code's general penalty provision.

The Bottom Line

Salt Lake City'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 Salt Lake City is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Salt Lake City 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.