Curfew

Curfew applies to kids under 17. Curfew ordinances are created for the safety of minors as well as to maintain the quality of life throughout neighborhoods.

City of Evanston Curfew Ordinance

Curfew

  • Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - Begins at 10 p.m. and lasts until 6 a.m. the following day
  • Friday and Saturday - Begins at 11 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. the following day

Modeled after the ordinance for the City of Chicago, Evanston’s ordinance directs police officers to determine if the curfew status applies by asking juveniles for their ages in addition to the reasons for being out in public places. Officers will issue a citation and make an arrest when they reasonably believe that an offense has occurred.

Conditions when curfew status may not apply to minors include:

  • when accompanied by parents or guardians at least 21 years of age;
  • engaged in errands at the direction of parents or guardians;
  • engaged in occupations or returning home from a job;
  • involved in an emergency; when attending official school, religious or recreational activities;
  • exercising First Amendment rights, such as religion, speech and the right to assemble.