Lake County, IL Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours, Sun-Thu
- 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Curfew hours, Fri/Sat nights
- 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m.
- Age covered
- Under 17
- First-offense fine
- At least $250
- Enforcing agency
- Lake County Sheriff's Office
Summary
Lake County bars minors under 17 from public places and businesses between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on school nights and after midnight on weekends, with fines starting at $250.
CURFEW HOURS. ... (3) Between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, inclusive, and 6:00 a.m. on the following day. ... A minor commits a curfew offense when he or she remains in any public place or on the premises of any establishment during curfew hours.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Lake County Code § 131.02 makes it an offense for anyone under 17 to remain in a public place or on business premises during curfew hours: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A parent or guardian who knowingly lets a minor violate curfew is separately liable under the same section. Nine exemptions in § 131.03 cover minors accompanied by a parent, running a parent-authorized errand, working, facing an emergency, or exercising First Amendment rights. The Lake County Sheriff's Office enforces the ordinance, adopted by Ord. 15-0370 in 2015, through 19th Judicial Circuit citations or county administrative adjudication.
Violations & Fines
First offense: fine of at least $250; second violation within 12 months, at least $500; third or subsequent, at least $750. Administrative adjudication citations carry a $115 minimum fine instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county curfew apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
What happens if my child breaks curfew more than once?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois curfew laws overview
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