Curfew Laws in Wilmington, DE

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

Park Curfew

Wilmington closes all city, county, and state park property overnight: no one may be on park land between dusk and dawn without parks department authorization.

Key details: Park hours: Dawn to dusk only. Applies to: City, county, state park land. Override: Parks dept. may authorize exceptions. Penalty: $50-$500 fine or 30 days jail.

Misdemeanor: fine of $50 to $500, up to 30 days imprisonment, or both, per Sec. 38-56.

Juvenile Curfew

Wilmington bars anyone under 18 from public places and businesses after 10 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with an earlier 9 p.m. curfew for kids under 13.

Key details: Nighttime curfew (under 18): 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; midnight Fri/Sat. Under-13 curfew: 9 p.m.-6 a.m.; 10 p.m. Fri/Sat. Daytime curfew (ages 5-16): 9 a.m.-2 p.m. school weekdays. Minor's fine: up to $500. Parent/operator fine: up to $600 plus costs.

Minors face fines up to $500; parents and establishment operators who violate after notice face fines up to $600 plus costs, or jail up to 90 days for nonpayment.

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

The Bottom Line

Wilmington'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 Wilmington is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Wilmington 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.