What is Curfew
In Arizona, curfew laws aim to keep minors safe and reduce juvenile crime, especially during late-night hours. If you’re the parent of a 17-year-old—or a teen trying to understand your legal rights—it’s important to know when curfew begins, what the law says, and what happens if it’s broken.
Arizona’s Curfew Laws: Statewide and Local Rules
Arizona doesn’t have one uniform statewide curfew for all minors. Instead, curfew laws are set and enforced by individual cities and counties. This means the exact hours a 17-year-old must be home can vary depending on where they live or are visiting. However, most jurisdictions follow similar curfew frameworks.
For example:
- Phoenix: Minors aged 16 and 17 may not be in public places between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
- Scottsdale: The curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds is also 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Lake Havasu City: Enforces curfew hours from midnight to 5:00 a.m. for older teens
These laws apply to any minor found in a public space, such as parks, sidewalks, streets, or malls—unless they meet an exception.
Common Exceptions to Curfew
Arizona municipalities typically allow exceptions for:
- Work: Teens traveling to or from a lawful job
- School events or church: Including sports, theater, or youth group meetings
- Accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Emergencies or errands directed by a guardian
In all cases, teens may be asked to explain their presence in public during curfew hours. Law enforcement will evaluate the situation and decide whether an exception applies.
Penalties for Breaking Curfew
Violating curfew isn’t just a parental issue—it can result in real legal consequences for the teen and sometimes even the parents.
- First Offense: Often a warning or citation
- Repeat Offenses: Fines, mandatory community service, and in some cases, juvenile court
- Parental Responsibility: Some cities fine parents or guardians if they knowingly allow curfew violations
If a 17-year-old is cited for curfew violation, they may also face additional legal issues if other violations are involved, such as underage drinking, trespassing, or resisting an officer.
Why Curfew Laws Matter
Curfew laws are meant to protect young people from becoming victims—or perpetrators—of late-night crimes. While some teens see curfew as restrictive, law enforcement and legal professionals view it as a preventive measure.
That said, misunderstandings about curfew laws can lead to unfair treatment or charges. This is especially true if a teen was returning home from work or another legal activity but lacked documentation or verbal confirmation.
What to Do If Your Teen Is Cited
If your child receives a curfew violation in Arizona, take it seriously. Contacting a juvenile defense attorney can help you:
- Challenge the citation if an exception applies
- Avoid long-term consequences like a juvenile record
- Understand your rights and responsibilities as a parent
At Rideout Law Group, we help families across Scottsdale, Lake Havasu, and greater Arizona handle juvenile curfew violations and other legal issues involving minors.
Get Help Today
📍 Scottsdale Office
11111 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 225, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
📞 (480) 584-3328
📍 Lake Havasu City Office
2800 Sweetwater Ave, Suite A104, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406
📞 (928) 854-8181
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.