Buffalo, NY Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered age group
- Minors 16 and younger
- Weeknight curfew hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Weekend curfew hours
- Midnight (Fri/Sat) to 5:00 a.m.
- First violation penalty (parent/guardian)
- Warning citation
- Second violation penalty
- Fine up to $25
- Fourth+ violation penalty
- Fine up to $200
Summary
Minors age 16 and younger are prohibited from loitering or being in public places between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on weeknights and between midnight and 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights; parents face escalating fines for violations.
Subject to the exceptions set forth in § 343-4 of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any minor 16 years of age or younger to congregate, loiter, wander or play in or upon any public place, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day, official City time, except on weekends, when such restricted hours shall be from 12:00 midnight on Friday and Saturday to 5:00 a.m. of the following day. ... A parent or guardian who violates this chapter shall, upon the first violation, be issued a warning citation; upon the second violation, be subject to a fine of not more than $25; upon the third violation, be subject to a fine of not more than $100; upon the fourth violation and every offense thereafter be subject to a fine of not more than $200.
Full Breakdown
The curfew applies to all public places, broadly defined to include streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds, shops, and public buildings. Exceptions include minors accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult; minors on a direct route home from employment or adult-supervised activities; minors on emergency errands; and minors exercising First Amendment rights. Police may detain minors found in violation and must promptly notify the parent or guardian.
Violations & Fines
Parents or guardians face: warning citation (first violation), fine up to $25 (second), fine up to $100 (third), fine up to $200 (fourth and subsequent violations).
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my teenager is coming home from a job or school event after curfew?
Who is fined: the teen or the parents?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York curfew laws overview
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