How Somerville Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide

Somerville maintains 147 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 Somerville falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Juvenile Curfew

Minors under 16 cannot be out on Somerville streets, parks or other public places after 9:30 p.m. and before sunrise unless with a parent or guardian, working, or on written parental business, under Sec. 9-121(a). First-time violators get a police warning and a ride home rather than a fine.

Key details: Curfew hours: 9:30 p.m. to sunrise. Age covered: minors under 16. Exceptions: adult supervision, employment, written parental errand. First offense: officer discretion: warning, sent home. Penalty basis: Chapter 119 of the General Laws.

A minor found in violation of the curfew is liable to a penalty under Chapter 119 of the General Laws rather than a local fine schedule. For a first offense, however, Section 9-121(c) lets a police officer use discretion to simply warn the minor and send them home instead of pursuing that penalty.

This is one of the stricter rules in Somerville's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Park Curfew

Somerville closes all parks and playgrounds to the public every night between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. under Sec. 12-48 of the Code of Ordinances. Only city personnel conducting city business may remain inside during those hours.

Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances Sec. 12-48. Closed hours: 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily. Exception: City personnel on city business. Default penalty: $300.00 per offense (Sec. 1-11(a)). Last amended: Ord. No. 2019-02, eff. 1/24/2019.

A person found in a park or playground after 10:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. without city business is subject to the Code's general penalty under Sec. 1-11(a): $300.00 per offense, since Sec. 12-48 carries no separate fine schedule of its own. Each day a violation continues is a distinct offense, and the city may also pursue noncriminal disposition under G.L. c. 40, Sec. 21D.

The Bottom Line

Somerville'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 Somerville is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Somerville's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.