Child Curfew Laws North Dakota Parents Should Know

You probably remember running around town as kids, playing with your friends. It was different back then; there were no cell phones, so our parents would just simply tell us to come by by dinner, or before it got dark. Now, curfew laws are in place, and North Dakota parents should know exactly how long their kids can stay out according to the law - it varies city to city.

Bismarck

According to BismarckND.gov, if your child is under the age of 16, they need to be home by 10:30. Here's what the ordinance says.

Under 16: 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Sunday-Thursday). 16-17 year-olds: 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Keep in mind, these curfew laws don't apply if the minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian. The ordinance also states that if your child (ages 7-17) violates the curfew, they may be issued a juvenile citation, which will be referred to Juvenile Court.

(Also Read: 5 North Dakota Children Reporting Missing in Past 2 Weeks)

Mandan

The Mandan Municode lists the following curfews.

Age 14 and under: 10:30 pm to 5 am

Age 15: 12:00 midnight to 5 am

Ages 16 & 17: 1:00 am to 5 am

Kids are not permitted to loiter, wander, stroll, play in or upon public streets, highways, roads, alleys, public buildings, places, or grounds during the curfew hours.

Dickinson

According to Dickinsongov.com, juvenile laws are as follows.

Sunday-Thursday: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday-Saturday: 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

The source says that if a juvenile works past curfew, they may go home directly without receiving any juvenile citations.

Minot

According to KX News, it is understood that minors need to be home between 10:30 pm and 5 am.

Williston

The city of Williston makes it pretty clear that it is unlawful for a minor to loiter, wander, stroll in alleys, parks, playgrounds, or even ride in cars aimlessly upon public streets between the hours of 10:30 pm and 5:00 am Sunday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday, those hours are slightly different, 12:00 am to 5:00 am.

West Fargo

According to the city of West Fargo, the curfew for individuals under the age of 16 is 11 pm to 6 am. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule for those returning home from events, who had been babysitting, and those accompanied by someone 18 or older, or those with parent approval.

These are just the curfews for some of our bigger North Dakota cities, but check your city's website or sheriff's office to make sure your kids aren't risking getting in trouble.