Portage County, WI Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Adopted under the authority of Wis. Stats. § 59.45(6), Section 2.9.1 states the county's purpose as curbing juvenile violence and gang activity. Section 2.9.2 sets curfew hours at 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. every day of the week and defines a minor as anyone under 17. Section 2.9.3 creates three separate violations: the minor who remains in a public place or establishment during curfew hours, the parent or guardian who knowingly permits or fails to adequately control the minor's presence out during those hours, and the establishment's owner, operator or employee who knowingly allows a minor to remain on the premises during curfew hours.

Section 2.9.4 lists exceptions covering a minor accompanied by a parent or guardian, running an errand for one, traveling interstate, engaged in employment, handling an emergency, attending a supervised school, religious or recreational activity sponsored by the county or a municipality, or going to or from a movie theater without a detour or stop; an establishment can also raise as a defense that it promptly notified law enforcement of a minor's presence and refusal to leave. Section 2.9.5 requires an officer to ask the person's age and reason for being out before enforcing the ordinance, and bars a citation unless a violation reasonably appears and no listed defense applies. Section 2.9.6 makes each day or part of a day a separate violation for penalty purposes.