Warren's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Warren, Michigan, 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.

Park Curfew

Warren closes every public park and playground to loitering between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under Section 23-2, a curfew that exempts parks-and-recreation department employees and any department-run activity, while letting the mayor post amended hours when public health, safety or welfare requires it.

Key details: Standard hours closed: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (§23-2(a)). Exempt: Parks dept employees, dept-run activities. Mayor may amend hours: Via posted notice (§23-2(b)). Penalty: $100-$1,000 civil infraction (§23-19). Source: Code 1967, § 4-520.

A violation of Section 23-2 falls under the Article I general penalty in Section 23-19(a): a municipal civil infraction carrying a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 per violation, plus costs, unless the conduct is separately designated a misdemeanor elsewhere in the article.

Juvenile Curfew

Warren bars children twelve and under from public streets and public places between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and bars anyone sixteen and under during the hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Section 22-250 also holds parents and any adult who knowingly allows a violation separately liable.

Key details: Ages 12 and under: Off streets 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. Ages 13-16: Off streets 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.. School-hours loitering ban: Applies to all under 16 (subsection b). Minor's penalty: $100 municipal infraction fine. Parent/guardian penalty: $100 fine or up to 90 days jail.

Under Section 22-250(j), a minor who violates the curfew is responsible for a municipal infraction carrying a fine of $100 plus costs and other sanctions per infraction. A parent, guardian or other adult with care and custody of the minor who violates the section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100 or imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both, plus costs, at the court's discretion.

The Bottom Line

Warren'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 Warren is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Warren 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.