Des Moines enforces a juvenile curfew under Ch. 86 (Police). Minors under 18 must be off public streets during nighttime hours unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or a recognized exception applies.
Des Moines Code Ch. 86 (Police) establishes a juvenile curfew applicable to all minors (persons under 18 years of age). The curfew prohibits unaccompanied minors from being in public places, streets, or establishments during designated nighttime hours — generally beginning at 10:30 PM on school nights and midnight on weekends for older teens, with earlier hours for younger children, though the specific age-tiered schedule is set by ordinance within Ch. 86. Police may take a curfew violator into temporary custody. Parents or guardians who knowingly allow a child to violate curfew may also be cited. Exceptions include minors traveling directly to/from school, employment, or a supervised activity.
First offense: civil infraction, fine typically $50–$100 for the minor or parent/guardian. Repeat or aggravated violations may result in higher fines and referral to juvenile court.
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