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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines does not have a standalone tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenant protections come from Iowa Code 562A.36 retaliation rules and federal Fair Hou...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines allows ADUs in its neighborhood districts under Municipal Code Chapter 134, with building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through De...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Chapter 134 historically required the owner to live in either the main house or the ADU, backed by a recorded affidavit. Since July 1, 2025, Iowa ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 48 (Noise) standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and cond...
See how Des Moines's juvenile curfew rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.