St. Joseph County, IN Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Ages 15-17
- Off public places after 11 p.m. weeknights
- Under 15
- Off public places 11 p.m.-5 a.m. every night
- Liable party
- Custodial parent or guardian, not minor
- Violation type
- Civil infraction (§132.06)
- Exceptions
- Work, school, religious events, parent-directed errands
- Escalating fines
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd+ offense within one year
- Fines deposited
- County General Fund (§132.05)
Summary
St. Joseph County bans minors from public places during set overnight hours. Code Section 132.01 keeps 15-to-17-year-olds off the street after 11:00 p.m. on school nights and from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. on weekends, while Section 132.02 bars anyone under 15 from public places between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. every night of the week.
It is a curfew violation for a child of the age of 15, 16 or 17 years of age to be in a public place:(1)Between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday;(2)After 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday; or(3)Before 5:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 3).
Full Breakdown
The county's curfew, Chapter 132, sets two age tiers. 03 carves out real exceptions: a minor accompanied by a parent, guardian or custodian, or by an adult that parent designates; a minor going to or from lawful employment, a school-sanctioned activity, a religious event, a civic or public organization's event, or an activity protected by the constitutional right of free speech or assembly; and a minor running an emergency errand at a parent's written direction. 04. 99 escalates the fine with each repeat offense within a year: a first-offense fine from the county's schedule of fines and fees, a second-offense fine plus court costs, and a third or later offense in the same year draws that fine plus court costs again. 05.
Violations & Fines
The curfew fine lands on the parent or guardian, not the minor, under Section 132.06, and it is treated as a civil infraction. Section 132.99 sets a first-offense fine from the county's schedule of fines and fees, a second-offense fine plus court costs within a one-year period, and a third or later offense in that same year draws the fine plus court costs again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the curfew hours for teenagers in unincorporated St. Joseph County?
Is the curfew stricter for younger children?
Does the child get fined for a curfew violation?
Are there exceptions to the county curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Joseph County
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