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Winston-Salem, NC Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

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

Key Facts

Closing hours
Sunset to sunrise
Penalty
Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500
Time standard
U.S. Naval Observatory sunset/sunrise
Exception
Lighted courts may stay open later
Vehicles
Parking after closing also barred

Summary

Winston-Salem closes its public parks and city-owned recreation facilities from sunset to sunrise; being on the premises after hours without staff duty or written recreation department permission is a class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to $500.

It shall be unlawful for any person to be on the premises of a public park or city-owned recreation facility after such park or recreation facility has been closed to the public, unless such person is an employee of the city acting within the scope of his duties... A public park or city-owned recreation facility shall be deemed closed to the public within the meaning of this section between sunset and sunrise.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).

Full Breakdown

City code makes it unlawful to be on the premises of a public park or city-owned recreation facility after closing, defined as the period between sunset and sunrise using U.S. Naval Observatory published times. The recreation department can light and designate specific courts, fields, or areas for extended use beyond those hours, or set different hours entirely, but everywhere else in the park stays closed. Parking a vehicle on-site after closing without written permission is a separate violation. Both are class 3 misdemeanors under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine up to $500.

Violations & Fines

Being on park premises after closing, or parking there after hours without written permission, is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine up to $500.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do Winston-Salem parks close?
City parks and recreation facilities close at sunset and reopen at sunrise, using official U.S. Naval Observatory times, unless the recreation department has designated and lit specific areas for extended use.
Can I be cited for being in a park after dark?
Yes. Being on park premises after closing without city employment duties or written recreation department permission is a class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.00.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Winston-Salem

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Winston-Salem rules

Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina curfew laws overview

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