Auburn, WA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Auburn City Code Chapter 9.10 (Curfew Hours for Juveniles) establishes curfew restrictions on minors under the age of 18 being in public places or establishments during late-night hours. The ordinance generally prohibits unaccompanied minors from being on public streets, sidewalks, parks, parking lots, or in public establishments during curfew hours (typically from 12:00 midnight to 5:00 AM Sunday through Thursday and slightly later on Friday and Saturday, though exact hours are set in the current codified version). Common statutory exceptions include minors accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, minors engaged in legitimate employment, minors traveling directly to or from employment, minors attending an official school or civic event, minors responding to an emergency, or minors exercising First Amendment rights. Violations of ACC 9.10 are designated civil infractions, to be heard and determined by Auburn Municipal Court except when jurisdiction lies with the King County or Pierce County Juvenile Court under Chapter 13.04 RCW (Basic Juvenile Court Act). Parents or guardians who knowingly permit curfew violations can also be cited. Auburn Police typically warn first-time juveniles and transport them home rather than detain them, reserving citations for repeat encounters or aggravating circumstances. The chapter is current through Ordinance 6976 (April 2025). Parents concerned about curfew enforcement should contact Auburn Police non-emergency at 253-931-3080.