Houston bans minors under 17 from public places 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM Sunday-Thursday and 12:01 AM to 6:00 AM Friday-Saturday. A daytime school-hours curfew runs 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Exceptions cover parental accompaniment, work, and emergencies. Parents may be cited for permitting violations.
Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 28 makes it unlawful for any minor under 17 to remain in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within city limits during curfew hours. Nighttime curfew runs 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 AM to 6:00 AM Friday and Saturday. A separate daytime curfew applies 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM on official school days.
Defenses include accompaniment by a parent or guardian, parental errands, interstate travel, lawful employment travel, emergency response, presence on the sidewalk of the minor's residence, attendance at school or religious activities, First Amendment exercise, or emancipation. Establishment owners must not knowingly allow minors to remain during curfew hours.
A violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 per offense. Parents and establishment owners who knowingly permit a violation face the same penalty. Courts may order community service or diversion.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle juvenile curfew.
See how Houston's juvenile curfew rules stack up against other locations.
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