Home by 9? For Kansas City teens, these summer curfew rules are now in effect
While parents might have their own curfew, Kansas City teens should take note of the city’s rules this summer.
Kansas City’s summer curfew started Friday and lasts through Sunday, Sept. 29, this year.
After curfew, youth are not allowed to “loiter, wander or play” in public without a parent or guardian, according to a Kansas City ordinance. This includes parks, streets, places of amusement and restaurants.
In 2023, the Kansas City Police Department filed three reports of curfew violations in 2023 — two in the Power and Light District and one in a neighborhood. The department did not share how many verbal warnings they gave.
The law took effect in entertainment districts in summer 2011, and it eventually expanded to the rest of the city.
Here is what you need to know about Kansas City’s summer curfew law for minors.
What are the teen summer curfews in Kansas City?
The summer curfew depends on your age and where you’re located.
In entertainment districts, the 9 p.m. summer curfew goes into effect for everyone under 18 in these areas:
Plaza
Westport
Downtown, Crossroads, River Market and West Bottoms
18th and Vine
Zona Rosa
For the rest of the city, the curfew for those 15 or younger is 10 p.m. and those between 15 and 18 is 11 p.m. during the summer. All curfews end at 6 the following morning.
The Kansas City code said it is unlawful during those hours for youth to “loiter, wander, stroll or play in or upon the public streets, highways, roads, sidewalks, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other public grounds, public places, public buildings, places of amusement, eating places, vacant lots or any place unsupervised by an adult having the lawful authority.”
What are the exceptions?
The curfew restrictions do not apply to teens accompanied by a parent or guardian, those returning home from an activity or work, or traveling through the area, among other exceptions.
What are the consequences?
Teens could be detained by law enforcement overnight or until a parent or guardian releases them. Their parent or guardian could be fined up to $500 for allowing their child to violate the citation.
What about the rest of the year?
The rest of the year, the curfew for everyone under 18 is 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on Friday and Saturdays .
What about the rest of the Kansas City area?
Some area cities — including Independence, Grandview and Raytown — have teen curfews on the books. The Jackson County Circuit Court compiled a list of Missouri curfew laws on their website. For Kansas cities, check your municipality’s code of ordinances.
Have more questions about Kansas City laws? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published May 29, 2024 at 3:14 PM.
