Fort Smith, AR Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Weeknight curfew
- 10:30 p.m. Sun–Thu
- Weekend curfew
- 12:30 a.m. Fri/Sat nights
- Christmas break
- 12:30 a.m. nightly
- Exceptions
- 8 defenses in Sec. 14-102
Summary
Fort Smith bars minors under 18 from public places after 10:30 p.m. weeknights and 12:30 a.m. weekend mornings, with eight statutory defenses and parental liability.
It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 years to be, or to remain on, the city streets or rights-of-way or in other outdoor public places during hours of darkness after 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, and after 12:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings; provided, however, the hours of curfew during the Christmas holidays when the public schools in the city are not in session shall begin at 12:30 a.m. on all mornings during such holidays.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Fort Smith's curfew for minors (ch. 14, art. IV, div. 2) bars anyone under 18 from city streets, rights-of-way, or outdoor public places after 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and after 12:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings; during Christmas break, when public schools are out, curfew starts at 12:30 a.m. every night. Sec. 14-102 lists eight defenses, parental accompaniment, work, errands, emergencies, supervised school/church/city events, interstate travel, First Amendment activity, and emancipated minors. The police chief can also issue a waiver permit extending curfew 30 minutes past a school- or church-sponsored event.
Violations & Fines
A cited minor's case proceeds through juvenile court; a parent or guardian who knowingly allows the violation faces prosecution under Sec. 14-103, and business operators must eject curfew violators under Sec. 14-104.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is curfew for minors in Fort Smith?
Can a parent be cited if their child breaks curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Smith
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