Is There a Curfew in Las Vegas, Nevada? (Who, When & Why)
While you may know Las Vegas as an all hours party town, it’s possibile you’ve heard whispers about a Vegas curfew. Is there a curfew in Las Vegas, Nevada and, if so, do these curfew laws apply to you?
There is, in fact, a curfew in Las Vegas, Nevada. Local curfew laws apply to different areas of the city, and affect those under 18 years of age. The Las Vegas curfew includes rules for driving and walking on the Strip, downtown, and metropolitan areas after certain hours of the night.
Want to know what these rules specifically include? Then look no further! I’m about to give you the lowdown as to what and who is subject to curfew rules in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Curfew Rules (Under 18 Years Old)
People who are under the age of 18 are not allowed to wander, walk or loiter on the streets of the Las Vegas metropolitan area between 10 pm and 5 am (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
This period changes to 12 am to 5 am on Friday, Saturday, summer vacation, and other legal holidays.
| Days of The Week | Curfew Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday – Thursday | 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. |
| Friday – Saturday | 12 a.m. – 5 a.m. |
| Summer Break & Legal Holidays | 12 a.m. – 5 a.m. |
- There is one big caveat, however. If a minor is accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, this curfew does not apply. It also doesn’t apply if the person is out and about due to being legally employed in the area.
Las Vegas Strip Curfew Rules (Under 18 Years Old)
The curfew law for the Strip is subject to a different time frame on the weekends (Friday and Saturday), and legal holidays. Instead of from 12 am to 5 am, it becomes from 9 pm to 5 am.
| Days of The Week | Curfew Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday – Thursday | 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. |
| Friday – Saturday | 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. |
| Legal Holidays | 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. |
- This rule does not apply if the minor is accompanied by a legal guardian or parent. It also doesn’t apply if the minor is on the Strip because of lawful employment.
Downtown Las Vegas Curfew Rules (Under 18 Years Old)
As for the areas in downtown Las Vegas, no person or child under 18 years old is allowed on the streets or public areas between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am (Sunday to Thursday), or between 12 am and 5 am (Friday and Saturday).
During school holidays and summer break, the curfew hours for those under 18 years old are 12 am and 5 am every day of the week.
| Days of The Week | Curfew Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday – Thursday | 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. |
| Friday – Saturday | 12 a.m. – 5 a.m. |
| Summer Break & Legal Holidays | 12 a.m. – 5 a.m. |
Once again, these rules do not apply if you are with a parent / legal guardian or because of lawful employment.
What Happens If You Violate These Curfew Laws?
First let me emphasize again that none of these curfew hours apply to minor children who are with their parents. If you’re on the Strip or Fremont Street in downtown at midnight on a Saturday night you’ll be almost guaranteed to see parents pushing strollers or wandering the streets with their teenage children. It’s perfectly okay to do so.
The Las Vegas curfew laws are designed solely to keep unaccompanied minors from wandering the streets of Sin City at night. So what will happen if you’re caught breaking the curfew?
If you appear to be under 18 and are seen by police officers, they will stop you. They’ll then ask to see your identification. After that, they’ll figure out whether there is a reason to detain you.
How do they check this, I hear you ask? Well, they’ll look through their database to see if you have any prior curfew violations or warrants.
If you’re deemed to be free to go, they’ll note down your name and tell you to go home. Your first offense will result in a $35 fine. If you fail to pay that, you’ll need to appear in court. Depending on any previous offenses, breaking the curfew can result in receiving a citation for as much as $300!
In some cases, police officers will choose to keep you detained until your parents or guardians can pick you up.
Curfew For Teen Drivers in Las Vegas
In recent years, the curfew for teen drivers in Las Vegas, Nevada has been updated. Why? To coincide with the increasing concerns about the high numbers of vehicle accidents involving drivers under the age of 18.
1999 marks the year when roughly one-fifth of all driving-related, fatal accidents in the U.S. involved young drivers. Not to mention that the number one reason for the death of those aged 15 to 20 in America is vehicle-related!
Because of this shocking statistic, teenagers living in Las Vegas have to follow these curfew laws when driving in and around town.
| Days of The Week | Curfew Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday – Saturday | 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. |
Drivers who are less than 18 years of age aren’t allowed to drive between 10 pm and 5 am every day of the week. Having said that, there is one exception. If they are driving to or from an event related to school or work (and can prove it), they can be on the road.
- Interesting side fact: There’s also another somewhat new law relating to teen drivers. Every new driver under the age of 19 years old has to keep a driving log throughout their training. When they go to apply for a proper license, they have to send this written log to the officials.
So there you have it! The curfew hours in Las Vegas are not overly restrictive unless you are younger than eighteen and not with a parent. For adults 18 and older there are no curfew restrictions in Las Vegas. Party on!
More Las Vegas Questions and Answers
- What is Las Vegas Known For? (Famous Vegas!)
- Why is Las Vegas Called Sin City?
- The Meaning of Viva Las Vegas
- Does Las Vegas Sell Lottery Tickets? (Where to Buy!)
Sources:
Clark County Ordinance – 12.12.030
Las Vegas City Ordinance – 10.54.010
Drivers Ed – Teen Driving in Las Vegas
