Curfew Laws in Waukesha, WI

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

Park Curfew

Waukesha closes its public parks and Park and Recreation Department grounds overnight under Municipal Code § 11.05(6). Nobody may be in a city park between 10 p.m. and sunrise unless taking part in a Park and Recreation-sponsored program, or using a lighted park's facilities for an approved activity after dark.

Key details: Governing section: Municipal Code § 11.05(6). Curfew hours: 10 p.m. to sunrise. Applies to: All city parks and Park/Rec grounds. Exception: Sponsored programs or lighted approved activities. First-offense forfeiture: $10 to $2,500.

Being in a Waukesha park between 10 p.m. and sunrise without an approved program or lighted-facility activity is cited under § 11.05(6) and penalized through §§ 11.35 and 25.05: a forfeiture of $10 to $2,500 for a first offense, $100 to $5,000 for a subsequent offense, plus the costs of prosecution. Each night a person remains counts as a separate violation.

Juvenile Curfew

Waukesha bars anyone under 17 from being out in public between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between midnight and 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, under Municipal Code § 11.055. Parents, business operators, and hotels can all be cited if they let a minor break curfew.

Key details: Governing section: Municipal Code § 11.055. Curfew (Sun-Thu): 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.. Curfew (Fri-Sat): Midnight to 5 a.m.. Age covered: Under 17. Penalty: $55 to $110 forfeiture.

Section 11.055 sets its own penalty rather than defaulting to the chapter's general fine: a forfeiture of not less than $55.00 nor more than $110.00 for the minor, parent, guardian, business operator, or hotel found in violation. A minor picked up for a suspected violation can be held at the Police Department until a parent or guardian is notified and comes to sign for their release.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Waukesha actively enforces its juvenile curfew requirements.

The Bottom Line

Waukesha'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 Waukesha is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Waukesha's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.