Your Kids Causing Trouble: Curfews for Minors in Southern Idaho

Some Kids Around Southern Idaho Are Up to No Good

Now that kids are out of school for the summer, they are enjoying some time off doing the things that kids do. However, there’s been some chatter on social media lately about teens ding-dong-ditching in Southern Idaho neighborhoods late at night. Responses to the relatively harmless prank are mixed with some of you saying that there are way worse things children could be doing, and others saying that they have no business trespassing on personal property, especially late at night.

Law Enforcement Response to Curfew Ordinances

I spoke briefly to Seargent Ken Mencl from the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office about curfew and he shared his thoughts grounded in common sense. While most law enforcement officers probably don't consider a ding-dong-ditch the crime of the century, they are looking to keep kids safe and limit the number of encounters with minors who may be doing property damage. Law enforcement is also trying to mitigate loitering and minors parking their cars at locations like Rock Creek, doing things that good parents wouldn’t approve of.

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City and County Curfew Ordinances Throughout Southern Idaho

Most Idaho cities and counties have a curfew for those under the age of 18. It’s worth knowing that if your kid is on the streets after curfew, it could result in some trouble for them, and you could be held responsible for their late-night pranks.

Here’s a list of city curfews throughout Southern Idaho, the consequences for breaking them, and some exceptions for each.

Twin Falls City Curfew Ordinance

In Twin Falls, the curfew for minors under the age of 18 is 11:00 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends. The curfew aims to ensure the safety of young residents and reduce juvenile crime. Violations can result in fines or community service for the minors and their parents. Source: City of Twin Falls Ordinance

Twin Falls County Curfew Ordinance

In Twin Falls County, the curfew for minors under the age of 18 is from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM every night. There are also daytime curfew hours during the school year from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Source: Twin Falls County Code of Ordinances

Jerome

Jerome enforces a curfew for minors from 10:30 PM to 5:00 AM on weekdays and from 11:30 PM to 5:00 AM on weekends. Source: City of Jerome Municipal Code

Kimberly

In Kimberly, the curfew for individuals under 18 years old is set at 10:00 PM on school nights and 11:00 PM on weekends. Source: City of Kimberly Code

Buhl

Buhl has a curfew for minors under 18 that starts at 10:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 PM on weekends. Source: City of Buhl Ordinances

Burley

Burley's curfew law requires minors to be indoors by 10:30 PM on weekdays and by midnight on weekends. Source: Burley City Code

Rupert

Rupert enforces a curfew for minors from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM on school nights and from midnight to 5:00 AM on weekends. The city’s police department actively monitors curfew compliance to protect minors from potential harm during late hours. Source: Rupert City Ordinance

Filer

In Filer, the curfew for minors is set at 10:30 PM on weekdays and 11:30 PM on weekends. Source: City of Filer Municipal Code

Hansen

Hansen has a curfew in place for minors under 18, requiring them to be home by 10:00 PM on school nights and 11:00 PM on weekends. Source: Hansen City Code

Mountain Home

Mountain Home's curfew for minors is from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM on weekdays and from midnight to 5:00 AM on weekends. Source: City of Mountain Home Ordinances

Gooding

In Gooding, the curfew for minors under 18 is 10:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 PM on weekends. Source: City of Gooding Code

Wendell

Wendell enforces a curfew for minors from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM on school nights and from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM on weekends. Source: City of Wendell Ordinance

Shoshone

Shoshone's curfew for minors is set at 10:30 PM on weekdays and 11:30 PM on weekends. Source: Shoshone City Code

Consequences for Breaking Curfew

The consequences for breaking curfew in these cities typically include fines and community service for the minors involved. Parents are often held accountable, with some cities requiring parental notification or involvement. Repeated offenses can lead to more severe penalties, such as increased fines, additional community service, or even court appearances. These measures are designed to enforce curfew regulations strictly and to encourage compliance to ensure the safety and well-being of minors in Southern Idaho.

Exceptions to Curfew

There are several common exceptions to curfew laws across these cities:

Accompanied by a Parent or Guardian: Minors accompanied by a parent or guardian are generally exempt from curfew restrictions.
Returning from Work: Minors who are traveling directly home from work with a certified letter of employment are typically exempt.
Emergency Situations: Curfews do not apply during emergencies where immediate action is required.
First Amendment Activities: Activities protected by the First Amendment, such as religious observances, political events, or free speech activities, often exempt minors from curfew laws.
Authorized Adult Supervision: Minors accompanied by an adult authorized by their parent are also usually exempt.

These exceptions are designed to balance the enforcement of curfew laws with the practical needs and rights of minors and their families.