Bismarck Reminds Residents of Youth Curfew Laws Amidst Evening Activities

Bismarck residents and families preparing for evening activities, including traditional trick-or-treating, are reminded that while the city does not impose a special curfew for Halloween, general city ordinances regarding youth presence in public areas remain in effect.

The City of Bismarck's established curfew laws apply to public streets, highways, roads, alleys, public buildings, places, and grounds, prohibiting certain activities for minors during specified hours. These regulations are important for parents and guardians to understand as their children participate in neighborhood events.

For individuals under the age of sixteen, it is unlawful to loiter, idle, wander, stroll, play, or drive or ride in a vehicle in or upon these public locations between 10:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. This means younger children should plan to conclude their outdoor activities well before this late-night hour to comply with the city's standing regulations.

For youth aged sixteen and seventeen, the curfew applies between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. During these hours, it is similarly unlawful for them to loiter, idle, wander, stroll, play, or drive or ride in a vehicle in or upon the city's public streets, highways, roads, alleys, or other public buildings, places, or grounds.

However, these ordinances, as outlined on Bismarcknd.gov, include specific exceptions. There are three primary scenarios where the curfew does not apply:

First, the curfew is not enforced if a youth is accompanied by a parent or guardian. This exception allows families to participate in late-night events together without violating the ordinance.

Second, the curfew does not apply when a youth is attending a school, church, or similar organization-related event or activity that extends beyond the regular curfew time. This covers supervised and sanctioned group activities that may conclude later in the evening.

Third, the ordinance provides an allowance for youth who are on their way home. If an individual is within thirty minutes of the conclusion of their work shift or the end of a school, church, or similar organization event or activity, they are exempt from the curfew for that travel period.

These city ordinances are in place year-round and apply to all public activities involving youth in Bismarck and throughout Burleigh and Morton counties. Awareness of these rules helps ensure compliance and promotes public safety for all community members.