Cook County, IL Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew age
- under 17
- Weeknight hours
- 10:30 p.m.-6:00 a.m.
- Weekend hours
- 11:30 p.m.-6:00 a.m.
- Covered area
- unincorporated County + Sheriff-patrol towns
- Repeat-violation fine
- $5.00-$100.00 per offense
Summary
Anyone under 17 is barred from public places in unincorporated Cook County and Sheriff-patrolled towns from 10:30 p.m.-6 a.m. weeknights and 11:30 p.m.-6 a.m. on weekends, unless a listed defense applies.
It shall be unlawful for any child as defined in Subsection (b) of this section to be upon any public place in the Enforcement Area between the hours of 11:30 p.m. Friday and 6:00 a.m. Saturday, or between the hours of 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 6:00 a.m. Sunday, or between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on any other day of the week, unless accompanied by, and in the charge of a parent, guardian, or other proper companion of the age of 21 years or more, or unless engaged in some occupation or business in which such child may lawfully engage under the statutes of the State of Illinois.
Full Breakdown
The Children's Curfew Ordinance sets out on-street hours for anyone who hasn't turned 17: 11:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights, and 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. every other night. It applies in the 'Enforcement Area' - unincorporated Cook County plus any municipality where the Sheriff's Office provides primary police service under an intergovernmental agreement. Listed defenses include errands, work travel, emergencies, being on the family's own sidewalk, and supervised school, religious or civic activities. Officers must ask age and reason before acting, and a first violation draws only a written warning notice to the parent or guardian.
Violations & Fines
First offense: officer issues a warning and sends written notice to the parent or guardian, no fine. If the same child violates again within one year after that notice, the parent or guardian who knowingly permits it is fined $5.00 to $100.00 per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this curfew apply in Chicago?
What happens the first time a child is caught out past curfew?
Can a teen be out late if accompanied by an adult?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois curfew laws overview
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