Curfew Hours for Minors

The City of Coppell has an established city ordinance for curfew hours for minors. A minor is a person between ten years of age and sixteen years of age. The hours of curfew are Sunday thru Thursday from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. The hours of curfew for Friday and Saturday are midnight to 6 a.m. The curfew hours established remain in effect for the entire year and do not change during summer break. There are three ways to commit an offense:

 

(1) If a minor remains in a public place or on the premises of an establishment within the city during curfew hours.

 

(2) A parent or guardian of a minor knowingly permits, or by insufficient control allows, the minor to remain in a public place or on the premises of an establishment within curfew hours.

 

(3) The owner, operator, or any employee of an establishment knowingly allows a minor to remain upon the premises of the establishment during curfew hours.

 

The fine for a curfew violation is up to $500.00 for each offense. There are several defenses to prosecution:

 

• The minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian
• On an errand at the direction of a parent or guardian, without any detour or stop 
• In a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel
• Engaged in employment, or going to or returning from employment
• Involved in an emergency
• On the sidewalk by the minor’s residence
• Attending an official sponsored function.
• Exercising 1st Amendment right
• Married or had been married

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To read the entire Ordinance, please click here.