Oakland County, MI Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Park system
- Oakland County Parks (14 parks)
- Authority
- Public Act 261 of 1965 (MCL 46.351 et seq.)
- Typical hours
- Sunrise to sunset (day-use)
- State penalty
- Up to $100 + costs or 90 days (MCL 46.364)
- Trailway vehicle fine
- Up to $500 civil infraction
- Enforced by
- Park rangers + Oakland County Sheriff
Summary
Oakland County Parks and Recreation operates 14 parks under Michigan's County and Regional Parks Act (Public Act 261 of 1965, MCL 46.351–46.367). The Parks Commission sets posted operating hours, typically sunrise to sunset, with extended hours at campgrounds and special-event venues, and visitors must leave by the posted closing time. Under MCL 46.364, violation of any rule adopted by the Parks Commission is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100 plus costs or up to 90 days in jail, or both. Most local Oakland County municipalities mirror this with their own park curfews (commonly 10:00 p.m. to dawn or sunset to sunrise) enforced by city police or by Oakland County Sheriff's Office deputies who are deputized to enforce park rules.
A person who violates a rule adopted by a county or regional commission is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00 and costs of prosecution or by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both. The operation of a vehicle on a recreational trailway at a time, in a place, or in a manner prohibited by a rule adopted by a county or regional commission is a municipal civil infraction… A civil fine ordered for a municipal civil infraction described in this subsection shall not exceed the maximum amount of a fine provided by the rule or $500.00, whichever is less.
Full Breakdown
The Oakland County Parks Commission was created in 1966 under Public Act 261 of 1965 and has statutory authority to make rules and regulations for the parks system, set fees, and enforce closures. Posted operating hours appear at every park entrance; for most day-use parks (Independence Oaks, Addison Oaks day area, Catalpa Oaks, Red Oaks, Waterford Oaks day area) the gates open at sunrise and close at sunset. Campground areas at Addison Oaks and Groveland Oaks operate under separate posted hours for registered campers. 364 of the County and Regional Parks Act makes any rule violation a misdemeanor of up to $100 fine plus costs or 90 days in jail.
The same section also designates vehicle operation on a recreational trailway in violation of a Commission rule as a municipal civil infraction with a civil fine up to $500. Park rangers appointed by the Commission may be deputized by the Sheriff to enforce state laws and have peace-officer powers. or sunset-to-sunrise; violation is a municipal civil infraction or misdemeanor under the local code.
Violations & Fines
Remaining in an Oakland County Park after posted closing is a misdemeanor under MCL 46.364 punishable by up to $100 in fines plus costs of prosecution or up to 90 days in jail, or both. Driving a motor vehicle on a county trailway in violation of a posted rule is a municipal civil infraction with a civil fine up to $500. Local Oakland County municipal park curfews typically carry $100–$250 civil fines for first offense, with escalation and possible misdemeanor charge for repeat offenders. Sheriff deputies and deputized park rangers may issue citations on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Oakland County Parks close?
What happens if I stay in a park after closing?
Are there separate rules for local city parks?
Can park rangers actually arrest someone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland County
Compare Oakland County to another location·View the Michigan curfew laws overview
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