San Marcos, TX Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew (weeknights)
- 11 p.m.–midnight Sun–Thu
- Curfew (overnight)
- Midnight–6 a.m. daily
- Curfew (school hours)
- 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. weekdays
- Age covered
- Under 17
- Maximum fine
- $50 plus court costs
Summary
San Marcos keeps a codified juvenile curfew: minors under 17 commit an offense if found in a public place during set curfew hours, and parents can be cited too.
(a)A minor commits an offense if the minor remains in any public place within the city during curfew hours. (b)A parent of a minor commits an offense if the parent knowingly permits or by insufficient control allows the minor to remain in any public place within the city during curfew hours.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 41).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 54.076-54.081 sets curfew hours as 11 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, midnight to 6 a.m. every night, and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on school weekdays. A minor who remains in a public place during those hours commits an offense, as does a parent who knowingly permits it or fails to exercise control. Ten statutory defenses cover things like being accompanied by a parent, running an errand, working, or exercising First Amendment rights. The ordinance was last amended by Ordinance No. 2022-98 (Dec. 14, 2022) and remains in the current Code of Ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $50.00 plus court costs under Sec. 54.081; officers may cite the minor, order them home, or refer to juvenile authorities. A parent can be cited under Sec. 54.078(b) once the minor gets a second citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Marcos's juvenile curfew still on the books?
Can a parent be cited, not just the minor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Marcos
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Marcos to another location·View the Texas curfew laws overview
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