Curfew Laws in Wisconsin (2026): Local Rules That Really Matter

Most parents don’t realize how serious curfew violations can get. In Wisconsin, these laws aren’t just suggestions. They carry real penalties that can affect both teens and parents. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know about staying legal after dark.

What Are Curfew Laws?

Curfew laws restrict when minors can be in public places without adult supervision. Think of them as legal boundaries designed to keep young people safe during late night hours.

Here’s the thing. Wisconsin doesn’t have a single statewide curfew law. Instead, each city and county creates its own rules. This means the curfew in Milwaukee is different from the one in Madison. Pretty confusing, right?

These laws exist for a specific reason. Officials believe keeping teens off the streets late at night reduces crime and protects young people from becoming victims. Whether you agree with that logic or not, the laws are on the books.

How Wisconsin Curfews Work

Okay, here’s where things get important. Each municipality sets its own curfew times based on age groups.

Most Wisconsin cities follow similar patterns. The younger the child, the earlier the curfew. Makes sense when you think about it.

Common Curfew Times by Age

For kids under 13, curfews typically start between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM. These younger children need to be off the streets until around 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM the next morning.

Teens ages 13 to 16 usually face curfews starting at 10:00 PM to 10:30 PM on school nights. On weekends, some cities extend this to 11:00 PM or even midnight.

Older teens ages 16 and 17 get a bit more freedom. Many cities allow them to stay out until 11:00 PM on school nights and midnight on weekends.

Hold on, this part is important. The exact times vary by location. Milwaukee has different rules than smaller towns. You need to check your specific city ordinance.

Weekend vs. Weekday Rules

Cities often distinguish between school nights and weekends. Sunday through Thursday typically have stricter curfews. Friday and Saturday nights usually extend an hour or two later.

Some municipalities also adjust curfews based on the school calendar. Summer vacation might mean later curfew times. School breaks sometimes follow weekend rules even on weekdays.

Not sure what counts as a school night? The day before you have school counts. So Sunday night is a school night if you have class Monday morning.

Where Do Curfews Apply?

Curfew laws cover all public places. That includes streets, sidewalks, parks, alleys, parking lots, and public buildings. Basically, anywhere the general public can access.

Shopping centers count as public places. So do restaurants, movie theaters, and entertainment venues. Even vacant lots and school grounds fall under these rules.

You’re wondering if this applies to your car, right? Yep, it does. Sitting in a parked car on a public street during curfew hours is still a violation.

Private property works differently. If you’re in your own yard or at a friend’s house, curfew laws don’t apply. But the moment you step onto the sidewalk or street, the rules kick in.

Major Exceptions You Should Know

Wait, it gets better. Wisconsin curfew laws include several important exceptions.

With a Parent or Guardian

The biggest exception is simple. If you’re with your parent, legal guardian, or another adult who has custody of you, curfew doesn’t apply. This means you can be out at any hour as long as you’re supervised.

Some ordinances specify the adult must be over 21. Check your local rules to be sure.

Employment Activities

Working late? You’re covered. Teens can be out during curfew hours if they’re going to work, at work, or coming directly home from work.

The key word here is directly. You can’t stop to hang out with friends or make unnecessary detours. Go straight to work and straight home. That’s the rule.

Honestly, this is the exception most teens use. If you have a job with late hours, keep your work schedule handy. Police might ask for proof.

School and Religious Activities

Attending a school event, religious service, or supervised activity? That’s allowed too. This includes sports games, dances, church services, and youth group meetings.

The activity needs to be supervised by adults. And you need to go straight home when it ends. Most ordinances give you about 60 minutes after the event to get home.

Sound complicated? It’s actually not. Just head directly home without making extra stops.

Emergency Situations

Emergencies always override curfew laws. If there’s a fire, medical crisis, or any situation where someone’s safety is at risk, curfew doesn’t matter.

This includes running an errand directed by your parents in an emergency. Like if your parent sends you to pick up medicine for a sick sibling.

First Amendment Activities

This one’s probably the most important rule. You can’t be cited for exercising your constitutional rights. That means freedom of speech, religion, and peaceful assembly are protected.

Participating in a protest, attending a rally, or engaging in political activity? Those are protected activities even during curfew hours.

What Happens When You Violate Curfew

Okay, pause. Read this carefully. The penalties for breaking curfew can hit hard.

For Minors

Teens caught violating curfew face citations with fines. The amounts vary widely by city. Milwaukee charges juveniles $74. Elm Grove hits them with $109. Janesville can fine up to $250.

Most cities add court costs on top of the base fine. That can add another $50 to $125 or more. A simple curfew violation quickly becomes expensive.

Many judges order community service instead of fines for first time offenders. You might spend several weekends doing public service work.

Breaking curfew can also affect your driver’s license. Some cities allow courts to suspend driving privileges for repeat violations. That’s a big deal if you just got your license.

For Parents

Parents aren’t off the hook either. If you knowingly let your child violate curfew, you can be cited too. Parent fines are typically higher than juvenile fines.

In Milwaukee, parents pay $175 for curfew violations. Janesville can fine parents up to $500. Holmen charges between $50 and $500 for first offense, and $100 to $1,000 for repeat violations.

The key word is knowingly. If your teen sneaks out without your knowledge, you probably won’t be charged. But if police warned you before and your child violates curfew again, you’re liable.

For Businesses

Hotels, motels, and entertainment venues can also face penalties. Business owners who knowingly allow minors to stay on their premises during curfew hours risk fines.

This is why many theaters and bowling alleys enforce curfews strictly. They don’t want the legal headache.

How Police Enforce Curfew

Before issuing a citation, officers must ask your age and reason for being out. They’re required to give you a chance to explain yourself.

Most police officers issue warnings for first time violations. They’ll take you home and inform your parents. But repeat offenders get cited without hesitation.

If you’re under 12, police might refer you to county human services instead of issuing a citation. Older teens typically go through municipal court.

Trust me, it’s better to cooperate with police. Running or being difficult only makes things worse.

City-Specific Examples

Let’s talk about the real rules in major Wisconsin cities.

Milwaukee

Kids under 17 can’t be on the streets from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, curfew runs from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM. These times apply from September through May. During summer, the curfew starts at 11:00 PM every night.

Madison

Madison follows similar rules to Milwaukee. Minors under 17 must be home by 11:00 PM on school nights and midnight on weekends.

Green Bay

Green Bay enforces curfew for anyone under 17 starting at 11:00 PM Sunday through Thursday. Weekend curfew begins at midnight.

Smaller Cities

Cities like Holmen set curfew at 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM on school nights and midnight to 5:00 AM on weekends for teens under 18. Ashland has earlier curfews for younger kids: 9:30 PM for those under 13, and 10:30 PM for teens 13 to 17.

Every city sets its own rules. This list just scratches the surface.

Tips for Staying Compliant

Want to avoid trouble? Here’s how.

Know your local curfew times. Look up your city’s ordinance online or call your police department. Don’t guess.

Keep proof of exceptions handy. Carry your work schedule if you have a job. Save programs from school events you attend.

Go directly home when activities end. Hanging out after the football game or youth group can get you cited. Head straight home.

If you’re with an adult, make sure they’re actually your parent or legal guardian. Being with your 18 year old friend doesn’t count as adult supervision in most cities.

Communicate with your parents. Let them know where you are and when you’ll be home. If something comes up, call them.

Special Situations

Sometimes circumstances don’t fit neatly into the rules. Here are some common questions.

Interstate Travel

Passing through Wisconsin on a road trip? Most curfew ordinances include exceptions for interstate travel. If you’re just driving through town, you’re typically okay.

Sidewalk in Front of Your House

Many cities allow minors to be on the sidewalk directly in front of their home or a next door neighbor’s house. But if a neighbor complains to police, this exception disappears.

Returning from Work or Activities

You get a reasonable amount of time to get home. Most ordinances allow about an hour. But taking the long way home or stopping at a friend’s house cancels this exception.

Don’t push it. Get home promptly.

Your Rights During a Stop

If police stop you during curfew hours, you have rights. Officers must ask your age and reason for being out before taking enforcement action.

You should answer questions honestly. Lying to police creates bigger problems than a curfew violation.

Police can’t automatically assume you’re violating curfew just because you’re young. They need reasonable suspicion based on the circumstances.

If you believe an exception applies, explain it clearly. Officers have discretion to use good judgment.

Constitutional Challenges

You’re not alone if you think curfew laws seem unfair. Many people have challenged them in court.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld Milwaukee’s curfew ordinance in 1988. The court ruled that protecting youth and reducing crime are compelling government interests. They found the restrictions narrowly tailored and constitutional.

This doesn’t mean every curfew law is automatically legal. But it gives cities strong legal backing to enforce these rules.

What Parents Need to Know

As a parent, you have responsibilities under curfew laws. You can’t simply ignore where your teen is after dark.

If police warn you that your child violated curfew, take it seriously. A second violation after a warning almost guarantees you’ll be cited too.

Some parents think curfew laws intrude on family decisions. That’s a valid opinion. But it doesn’t change the legal reality.

The best approach is staying informed about your local rules. Talk to your teens about curfew. Set clear expectations. And follow through.

Recent Changes and Updates

Wisconsin municipalities continue adjusting curfew laws. Some cities have extended hours slightly. Others have tightened enforcement.

In 2026, most Wisconsin cities maintain curfews similar to previous years. No major statewide changes have occurred recently.

However, enforcement intensity varies. Some police departments focus heavily on curfew violations. Others take a more relaxed approach unless other problems arise.

Check with your local police department about current enforcement priorities.

How to Look Up Your City’s Rules

Finding your exact curfew law is straightforward. Visit your city’s official website and search for the municipal code. Look for chapters on minors, curfew, or public safety.

You can also call your local police department’s non-emergency number. They can tell you the exact times and rules.

Many cities post curfew information on their police department websites. Some even have printable curfew cards for teens to carry.

Don’t rely on what your friends say. Get the official information directly from your city.

Why These Laws Exist

Cities justify curfew laws as protection for minors. The argument is that teens out late at night face increased risks. They’re more likely to become crime victims or get involved in trouble.

Research on whether curfews actually reduce crime is mixed. Some studies show modest benefits. Others find little effect.

Regardless of effectiveness, these laws reflect community values about youth safety. Many parents support curfews. Others see them as government overreach.

Where you stand on this debate doesn’t change the current legal landscape. For now, Wisconsin cities have the authority to enforce curfew laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’m 18 but look younger?

Curfew laws only apply to minors under 18. If you’re 18 or older, you can be out any time. Carry your ID to prove your age if police stop you.

Can I get arrested for curfew violations?

Typically no. Curfew violations are ordinance violations resulting in citations and fines. Police take you home rather than arrest you. However, if you have outstanding warrants or commit other crimes, that changes things.

Do curfew laws apply on private property?

No. Curfew laws only apply to public places. If you’re in your yard, at a friend’s house, or on other private property, curfew doesn’t apply. But once you step onto public sidewalks or streets, the rules start.

What if I’m driving through Wisconsin from another state?

Most curfew ordinances include exceptions for interstate travel. If you’re just passing through, you should be fine. Keep documentation showing you’re traveling.

Can schools enforce earlier curfews than the city?

Schools can set their own rules for school property and school events. But they can’t enforce stricter curfews on public streets. City ordinances control public spaces.

Final Thoughts

Wisconsin curfew laws might seem like a hassle. But they’re real and enforceable. Understanding your local rules helps you avoid unnecessary fines and legal trouble.

The key is knowing your city’s specific curfew times. Check the exceptions that apply to your situation. And communicate with your parents about where you’ll be.

When in doubt, just head home. It’s not worth risking a citation and the money that comes with it. Stay informed, stay safe, and respect the rules. Your wallet will thank you.

References

1. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 938 (Wisconsin Children’s Code): https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/938.342
2. City of Milwaukee Curfew Ordinance: https://city.milwaukee.gov/commoncouncil/District9/PoliceStepUpCurfewEn20012.htm
3. Wisconsin Supreme Court Case City of Milwaukee v. K.F., 426 N.W.2d 329 (1988): http://www.curfewsolutions.com/states/Wisconsin%20Curfew%20Laws.html
4. City of Janesville Curfew Information: https://www.janesvillewi.gov/departments-services/police/ordinance-information/curfew-ordinance
5. La Crosse County Curfew Laws Legal Guide: https://www.johnsflaherty.com/blog/curfew-laws-why-you-need-to-know-where-your-child-is