Bismarck, ND — As families in Bismarck prepare for traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, city officials remind residents that while there is no specific Halloween curfew, the general city ordinance regarding minors in public spaces remains in effect. These rules are particularly important for parents whose children may be out in neighborhoods on their own this Halloween, to avoid potential issues with local authorities or disturbing neighbors who have concluded their evening festivities.
Under Bismarck's general city curfew law, persons under the age of sixteen years are prohibited from being in public streets, highways, roads, alleys, public buildings, places, or grounds between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. This ordinance specifically states it is "unlawful for persons under the age of sixteen years to loiter, idle, wander, stroll, play in or upon, or drive or ride about in a vehicle" within these designated public areas during the specified overnight window. This applies to all nights, including Halloween, underscoring the need for younger trick-or-treaters to conclude their activities well before the late evening.
For older minors, specifically those sixteen and seventeen years of age, a slightly later curfew applies. According to the city's general ordinance, it is unlawful for these individuals to engage in similar activities—such as loitering, idling, wandering, strolling, playing in or upon, or driving or riding about in a vehicle—on public streets, highways, roads, alleys, or other public buildings, places, or grounds between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. This distinction means that even older teenagers need to be mindful of their presence in public areas during these late-night hours.
However, the city ordinance, as detailed on Bismarcknd.gov, outlines three specific scenarios where these curfew restrictions do not apply. Firstly, a youth is exempt if they are "accompanied by a parent or guardian" when out after their designated curfew time. This allows parents to accompany their children without violating the ordinance, regardless of the child's age.
Secondly, the curfew does not apply if the minor is attending "a school, church, or similar organization-related event or activity" that extends beyond the standard curfew hours. This exemption recognizes legitimate organized activities that may occur late into the evening.
Finally, minors are exempt if they are "on their way home within thirty minutes of the end of their work shift or the conclusion of a school, church, or similar organization event or activity." This provision offers a reasonable grace period for youth to travel safely home after legitimate employment or organized functions that end close to or after curfew.
While many families plan to finish their trick-or-treating long before these curfew times, local authorities advise all residents of Bismarck and Mandan to be aware of these general ordinances. Understanding these city laws helps ensure a safe and trouble-free Halloween for children and their families across Burleigh and Morton counties.
