Indiana Statewide Rule

Indiana Statewide Juvenile Curfew Law Applies Universally

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Indiana (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: IC 31-37-3
Under 15 Curfew: 11 PM nightly
Ages 15-17 Weekend: 1 AM curfew
Ages 15-17 Weeknight: 11 PM curfew

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: IC 31-37-3-2 Curfew Violations; Children 15 Through 17 Years of Age

Summary

Indiana Code 31-37-3 establishes statewide juvenile curfew hours that apply in all jurisdictions. Children under 15 may not be in public places after 11 PM, while 15-17 year olds face curfew from 1 AM Saturday-Sunday and 11 PM Sunday-Thursday.

Sec. 3. (a) It is a curfew violation for a child less than fifteen (15) years of age to be in a public place after 11 p.m. or before 5 a.m. on any day. (b) A law enforcement officer may not detain a child or take a child into custody based on a violation of this section unless the law enforcement officer, after making a reasonable determination and considering the facts and surrounding circumstances, reasonably believes that: (1) the child has violated this section; and (2) there is no legal defense to the violation.

Source: IC 31-37-3-2 Curfew Violations; Children 15 Through 17 Years of AgeView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Indiana Code 31-37-3-2 and 31-37-3-3, statewide juvenile curfew applies as follows: children under 15 may not be in public places between 11 PM and 5 AM any night. Youth ages 15, 16, and 17 may not be in public between 1 AM and 5 AM Saturday or Sunday, and between 11 PM Sunday-Thursday and 5 AM the following day. Exceptions include accompanied by parent or guardian, traveling to or from work, attending or returning from a school, religious, or civic event, or in case of emergency. Violations are status offenses subject to juvenile court jurisdiction. Cities may add stricter local curfews but cannot weaken state requirements.

Violations & Penalties

Curfew violations may result in detention, parental notification, and adjudication as a status offense in juvenile court under IC 31-37.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Indiana's statewide juvenile curfew?

Children under 15 may not be in public between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. any day. Ages 15-17 are barred 1 a.m.-5 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

What are the exceptions to Indiana's curfew?

Youth accompanied by a parent, traveling to or from work, attending school or religious events, or responding to emergencies are exempt under IC 31-37-3-2.

Sources

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