Thornton, CO Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Weeknight curfew
- 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Weekend curfew
- 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Sat/Sun
- Exception
- Accompanied by parent or authorized adult
- Parent liability
- Knowingly permitting violation is separately unlawful
- Penalty
- Fine under Sec. 1-8(a)
- Code section
- City Code § 38-208
Summary
Thornton bars juveniles from loitering in public between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on school nights and between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, unless accompanied by a parent or an authorized adult. Parents who knowingly let a juvenile violate curfew are also liable under Section 38-208.
Loiter means to be dilatory; to stand idly around; to linger, delay or wander about; or to remain idle, in or about a public place, whether in or out of a vehicle.(b)Unlawful acts.(1)It shall be unlawful for any juvenile to loiter in or upon any street, alley, park, playground, schoolyard or other public area between the hours of 11:00 p.m. Sunday until 5:00 a.m. Monday; 11:00 p.m. Monday until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday; 11:00 p.m. Tuesday until 5:00 a.m. Wednesday; 11:00 p.m. Wednesday until 5:00 a.m. Thursday; 11:00 p.m. Thursday until 5:00 a.m. Friday; 1:00 a.m. Saturday until 5:00 a.m. Saturday; 1:00 a.m. Sunday until 5:00 a.m. Sunday.(2)It shall not be a violation of this subsection if the juvenile is loitering while accompanied by the parent, legal guardian or person at least 18 years of age with the written permission of the juvenile's parent or legal guardian.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Section 38-208 of the Thornton City Code defines "loiter" as to "be dilatory; to stand idly around; to linger, delay or wander about; or to remain idle, in or about a public place, whether in or out of a vehicle," and applies that definition to a graduated set of nightly curfew windows. m. m. m. m. m. m. m. m. m. m. Friday, covering every school night. m. m. m. m. Sunday. " The section also reaches adults: any "parent, legal guardian or other adult person having the physical care and custody of a juvenile" who "knowingly permit[s]" the juvenile to loiter during curfew hours is separately liable.
Convictions under either provision are punished as provided in Section 1-8(a) of the City Code. The ordinance dates to the 1975 Code § 33-6 and was last amended by Ordinance No. 2340 in 1994.
Violations & Fines
Both the loitering juvenile and a knowing parent or guardian face conviction under Section 38-208(c), punished as provided in Section 1-8(a): a fine capped at the maximum amount Colorado law authorizes for municipal courts. Because Thornton's general penalty bars incarceration for anyone under 18 except for contempt or defying a court order, only the fine track applies to minors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Thornton's juvenile curfew start on weeknights?
Is Thornton's curfew different on weekends?
Can a parent be cited if their child breaks curfew?
Can a teenager avoid a curfew citation by being with an adult?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thornton
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Juvenile Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Adams County handle juvenile curfew.