Colorado Springs, CO Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 9.2.102
- School buffer
- On grounds or within 100 feet
- Weeknight curfew
- 10:00 PM Sun–Thu to 6:00 AM
- Weekend curfew
- Midnight Fri/Sat to 6:00 AM
- Officer duty
- Must request ID & explanation before arrest
- Default penalty
- Up to $2,500 fine / 189 days jail (§1.1.201)
Summary
Colorado Springs makes it unlawful to loiter, stand idly, linger or tarry in a public place, so as to warrant alarm for the safety of people or property, and separately bans loitering on or within 100 feet of school grounds during school hours (City Code § 9.2.102). A youth curfew keeps anyone under 18 off streets and public places overnight without an accompanying adult.
B. Loitering To Warrant Alarm: It is unlawful for any person to loiter so as to warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity. ... C.2. It is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) years to loiter or to aimlessly drive or ride about, on or about any street, avenue, highway, road, sidewalk, curb, gutter, parking lot, alley, vacant lot, park, playground, yard, building, place of amusement, or eating place, whether public or private, without the consent or permission of the owner or occupant thereof, during the hours ending at six o'clock (6:00) A.M. and beginning at twelve o'clock (12:00) midnight on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and beginning at ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. on Sunday night through Thursday night.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 26-23, passed June 9, 2026).
Full Breakdown
102A defines 'loiter' broadly as being dilatory, standing idly around, lingering, delaying, wandering, remaining, abiding or tarrying in a public place. Subsection B makes it unlawful to loiter in a way that 'warrants alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity', mere presence isn't enough on its own. Subsection C1 separately bars loitering on school grounds, or within 100 feet of them, while school is in session or minors are present, once a school administrator, representative or peace officer has asked the person to leave and the person's continued presence disrupts the school or endangers students or staff.
m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or an authorized adult over 21. Parents or guardians who knowingly allow a juvenile to violate the curfew are separately liable (C3). Before arresting someone for alarm-loitering, an officer must, unless flight or other circumstances make it impractical, give the person a chance to identify themselves and explain their presence (D2). No conviction under subsection B can stand if the officer skipped that step, or if the defendant's explanation, believed at the time, would have dispelled the alarm or shown a lawful purpose (E).
Violations & Fines
No distinct fine is written into § 9.2.102, so violations carry the Code's general penalty of up to $2,500 in fines, up to 189 days in jail, probation, or a combination (§1.1.201B). A defendant cannot be convicted under the alarm-loitering clause if the officer failed to first request identification and an explanation, or if a truthful explanation would have dispelled the alarm (§9.2.102D2, E). Parents who knowingly permit a juvenile's curfew violation face liability separate from the minor's (§9.2.102C3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to just stand around in Colorado Springs?
What is Colorado Springs' youth curfew?
Can police arrest me for loitering without a warning first?
Is loitering near a Colorado Springs school illegal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
Compare Colorado Springs to another location·View the Colorado public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.