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Hartford, CT Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Parks close
Dusk (30 min. after sunset)
Parks reopen
Dawn (30 min. before sunrise)
Exception
Special event permit
Enforced by
Public Works / Human Services directors
Max penalty
$90 fine or 25 days jail

Summary

Hartford closes its parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities from dusk (a half-hour after sunset) until dawn (a half-hour before sunrise) unless a special event permit allows otherwise.

(a)No person or vehicle shall enter or remain in any park, playground or other recreation facility under the direction or control of the Director of Public Works or the Director of Human Services, before dawn or after dusk except as provided in subsections (b) and (d) of this section. For purposes of this section, dawn shall mean a half-hour before sunrise and dusk shall mean a half-hour after sunset.

Full Breakdown

Sec. 26-45(a) bars any person or vehicle from entering or remaining in a park, playground, or recreation facility run by the Director of Public Works or Director of Human Services before dawn or after dusk, defining dawn as a half-hour before sunrise and dusk as a half-hour after sunset. Subsection (b) lets someone enter after hours only with a special event permit under the City of Hartford Special Events Policy and Procedures Manual, or under a director-designated exception for exigent circumstances.

Violations & Fines

Entering or remaining in a park after dusk or before dawn without a special event permit violates Sec. 26-45; Chapter 26 violations bring community service, a fine up to $90, or up to 25 days in jail (Sec. 26-47).

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Hartford's parks close?
At dusk, defined as a half-hour after sunset; they stay closed until dawn, a half-hour before sunrise, unless a special event permit allows otherwise.
Can I get a permit to be in a park after dark?
Yes: a special event permit under the City of Hartford Special Events Policy and Procedures Manual lets you enter or remain past normal hours.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hartford

All Hartford rules

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