Curfew Laws in San Antonio, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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

Park Curfew

San Antonio parks are closed from 11 PM to 5 AM daily under Sec. 22-28 of the Code of Ordinances. Exceptions include the River Walk (Josephine St. to Eagleland Dr.), Alamo Plaza, La Villita, Market Square, and HemisFair Park. Woodlawn Lake Park closes at midnight. Vehicles left in parks after curfew are subject to towing. Special events may operate during curfew hours with written director approval.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 22-28 (Parks Curfew). Hours: Closed 11 PM–5 AM (Woodlawn Lake: midnight–5 AM). Exempt Areas: River Walk, Alamo Plaza, La Villita, Market Square, HemisFair. Vehicles: Subject to towing after curfew. Special Events: Permitted with director approval.

After-hours trespassing: $50 to $250 citation. Unauthorized camping: $100 to $500. Vandalism during closed hours: criminal charges.

Juvenile Curfew

San Antonio bars minors under 17 from public places between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM Sunday-Thursday and 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM Friday-Saturday. A daytime school-hours curfew runs 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Exceptions include parental accompaniment, work commute, and school events. Parents face fines up to $500.

Key details: Age Cutoff: Age cutoff: under 17. Sun: Sun-Thu nights: 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Fri/sat Nights: Fri/Sat nights: 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM. Daytime School Curfew: Daytime school curfew: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Exceptions: Exceptions: parent, work, school activity.

A violation is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. Parents and establishment owners who knowingly permit a violation face the same fine. Courts may order community service or diversion.

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

The Bottom Line

San Antonio'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 San Antonio is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that San Antonio 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.