Madison enforces a juvenile curfew under MGO 25.07. Minors under 17 are prohibited from being in public places between 11 PM and 5 AM Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 5 AM Friday and Saturday, with exceptions for work and parental accompaniment.
Madison General Ordinance 25.07 establishes the City's juvenile curfew. Persons under 17 years of age are prohibited from being in public places or establishments open to the public between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM on Sunday through Thursday nights, and between midnight and 5:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. Exceptions include minors accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; minors traveling to or from lawful employment; minors responding to an emergency; minors attending a school, religious, or government-sponsored event; and minors exercising First Amendment rights. Parents who knowingly permit a minor to violate curfew are also liable under the ordinance. Enforcement is primarily by Madison Police Department with referrals to Dane County Human Services when appropriate.
Curfew violations result in citations for the minor and potentially the parent, with fines and possible referral to juvenile services.
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