New Mexico Juvenile Curfew Local Authority

New Mexico does not impose a statewide curfew on minors. Under NMSA Section 3-18-1, municipalities are granted general police power to enact ordinances for the public health, safety, and welfare, which courts have interpreted to permit reasonable juvenile curfews. The Children's Code at NMSA Chapter 32A governs how curfew violations by minors are processed, requiring referral to juvenile probation rather than adult criminal courts. Curfew ordinances must include constitutional defenses (parental accompaniment, employment, emergencies) to survive due process challenges. Because the state grants but does not mandate curfews, this topic is primarily a local matter.

Curfew citations against minors are processed under the Delinquency Act of the Children's Code, NMSA 32A-2-1 et seq., with potential probation, community service, or fines depending on local ordinance.