Detroit Increases Fines on Parents for Teen Curfew Violations
New Penalties Aim to Curb Youth Violence and Hold Parents Accountable Under Strengthened Citywide Curfew Law.
The Detroit City Council has voted in favor of increasing fines on parents whose children violate the city’s nighttime curfew law, in a move aimed at reducing youth-related violent crimes. Though added late to the meeting agenda, the item passed with little surprise, especially after Police Chief Todd Bettison urged immediate approval, according to CBS News.
The City of Detroit, through its official accounts, explained that the updated penalties are part of a broader effort to combat gun violence among teens by holding adults more accountable. The decision follows a July 7 press conference, where both Chief Bettison and Mayor Mike Duggan unveiled a summer safety plan targeting juvenile violence.
The start of the summer season had already seen a spike in late-night violent incidents, often involving minors or large youth gatherings. In response, the Detroit Police Department (DPD) ramped up enforcement of the longstanding juvenile curfew law, which is now being framed as a preventative safety measure. Between July 8 and July 20, DPD issued 122 curfew violations, including 68 citations directly due to parental negligence.
Detroit Tightens Teen Curfew Enforcement
Detroit’s youth curfew law—officially titled “Regulation of Minors in Public Places and Adult Responsibility for Violations”—has been in effect since the mid-1980s. The ordinance restricts individuals under 17 from being in public places during nighttime hours, with even earlier curfews for children under 15.
Previously, the fine was $75 for a first offense and $100 for repeat violations. Under the new amendments, the penalties have more than doubled, now reaching $250 for a first-time offense and $500 for repeat offenders. The revised penalties were approved after a one-hour debate in the Public Health and Safety Committee, which then referred the proposal to the full council for a vote.
Mayor Duggan emphasized that the aim is not to punish parents but to encourage proactive involvement. “We don’t want to fine anyone,” he said. “But we do need to make sure parents are taking this seriously.”
