Marion, OH Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Section 648.12 is the City Council's curfew for minors, found in Chapter 648, the peace disturbances chapter of the General Offenses Code. It applies to any minor under the age of eighteen years who is found loitering, idling, wandering, strolling or playing in or upon public streets, sidewalks or other places. It also reaches a minor found on a bicycle, in a vehicle, in public places of amusement or entertainment, vacant lots or other unsupervised places during the curfew window. The text dates to Ord. 68-76, passed 5-27-68.

The window is split by night. On weekdays it runs from 11:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. On Friday it begins at 12:00 midnight and runs to 4:30 a.m. Saturday, on Saturday it begins at 12:00 midnight and runs to 4:30 a.m. Sunday, and the Sunday window starts at 11:00 p.m. and runs until 4:30 a.m. Monday.

The curfew does not apply when the minor is accompanied by a parent, guardian or other adult having the care and custody of the minor. It also does not apply when the minor is on an emergency errand or legitimate business at the direction of that adult, or is attending a legitimate school, church or youth organization function supervised by adults, or returning home from one. For that last exception the minor must have and retain on his or her person specific written permission from the parent, guardian or custodian to attend the function, and the minor is allowed one hour from the time the function has ended to return home.

Division (B) puts a duty on the adult: no parent, guardian or other adult person having the legal custody and control of any minor shall allow the minor to violate the section. Division (C) makes a violation a minor misdemeanor and says a minor who violates the section is dealt with in accordance with Juvenile Court law and procedure. The penalty cross-reference is § 698.02, where division (D) sets the fine for a minor misdemeanor at not more than $150.00.