Salt Lake County, UT Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- SLC under 16
- §11.44.070: 11:00 PM–5:00 AM
- SLC under 18
- 1:00 AM–5:00 AM
- SL County under 16
- Ch. 10.60: 10:00 PM–5:00 AM
- SL County 16-17
- Midnight–5:00 AM
- Safe haven
- Youth Services Center, 177 W Price Ave
Summary
Salt Lake City Code §11.44.070 sets a tiered juvenile curfew: minors under 16 may not loiter on sidewalks, streets, alleys, or public places between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM, and minors under 18 may not do so between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Salt Lake County's unincorporated curfew under Chapter 10.60 follows a similar tiered model, under 16 by 10:00 PM and 16-17 by midnight. Suburbs operate their own ordinances: West Valley City §9-10-103 (under 18, midnight–5 AM), Sandy §6-1-37 (under 18, midnight–5 AM), West Jordan, Murray, and South Jordan all mirror the midnight–5 AM standard. Exceptions exist for minors accompanied by a parent/guardian, traveling to/from work or school, exercising First Amendment rights, or carrying written parental authorization.
§ 11.44.070 Curfew for Minors. It is unlawful for any minor under sixteen (16) years of age to remain or loiter on any of the sidewalks, streets, alleys or public places in the city between eleven o'clock (11:00) P.M. and five o'clock (5:00) A.M. the following morning. It is unlawful for any minor under eighteen (18) years of age to remain or loiter on any of the sidewalks, streets, alleys or public places in the city between one o'clock (1:00) A.M. and five o'clock (5:00) A.M. the following morning. Exceptions apply when minors are accompanied by a parent or guardian or carry written parental authorization.
Full Breakdown
070 makes it unlawful for any minor under 16 to remain or loiter on sidewalks, streets, alleys, or public places between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM the following morning, and for any minor under 18 between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Statutory exceptions: (1) accompanied by parent, guardian, or other adult having care and custody; (2) carrying written parental authorization specifically describing the activity allowed and the time allowed; (3) returning directly home from school, religious, work, or government-sponsored activity; (4) emergency errands; (5) exercising First Amendment rights of speech, assembly, or religion.
60 sets stricter hours: under 16 must be off public ways by 10:00 PM; ages 16-17 by midnight, both until 5:00 AM. Parental responsibility provisions hold the parent or guardian liable if they knowingly permit, allow, or fail to prevent the violation, punishable as an infraction. During declared emergencies, the Mayor or Sheriff may impose an all-ages curfew (used during the 2002 Olympics and 2020 protests). Cities use 'safe haven' programs, minors picked up are typically transported to the Salt Lake County Youth Services Center (177 W Price Ave) for parent pickup rather than booked into juvenile detention on a first offense.
Violations & Fines
First curfew violation by a minor is typically an infraction with a $100-$200 fine or 8-16 hours community service, plus mandatory parent conference. Second offense within 12 months is a Class C misdemeanor ($750 max). Parents who knowingly allow a violation face their own infraction citation. Repeat offenders may be referred to juvenile court for status-offense proceedings. Aiding a minor curfew violation (an adult harboring a minor in violation) is a Class B misdemeanor (up to $1,000).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my teen drive home from a friend's house after curfew?
What happens if my child is picked up?
Do the hours differ between Salt Lake City and the unincorporated county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake County
Compare Salt Lake County to another location·View the Utah curfew laws overview
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