Why curfews still matter
At a time when teens carry smartphones and wear smartwatches, it might seem like you always know where your child is. But just because you can track their location doesn’t mean they’re always where they should be, especially after dark.
That’s why La Crosse County still enforces curfew laws for minors. Curfews help reduce risk for young people, give law enforcement a tool to intervene when something seems off, and support parents in setting healthy boundaries. If you're raising kids or teens in the Coulee Region, it's important to understand those rules and the consequences for breaking them.
What are curfew laws, and why do they exist?
Curfew laws restrict when minors can legally be in public places without an adult. Although they’ve long been promoted as a way to deter crime, research on their effectiveness is mixed. Still, many believe curfews serve a practical purpose, allowing officers to stop and question teens who are out late without a clear reason and, if needed, get them home safely.
Current La Crosse County curfew hours by age
Curfew laws in La Crosse County apply to all minors under 18 and vary by age group and season.
Ages 15–17
• During the school year, September 1–May 1, Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.; Friday–Saturday: 12:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
• During summer, June 1–Aug. 31, every night: 12:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Ages 12–14
• During the school year, Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.; Friday–Saturday: 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
• During summer, every night: 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Ages 11 and under
• All year: 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Exceptions to the curfew
There are a few exceptions. A minor is not in violation of curfew if they are:
• Running an emergency errand directed by a parent or guardian
• At or returning home from work
• Going to or coming from a school, church, or civic event
• On their own property or adjacent to it
• Accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult with legal custody
However, these exceptions don’t allow loitering in public spaces or hanging out in parked cars.
What happens if a minor breaks curfew?
Police may take minors into custody if they’re found violating curfew. Here’s what can happen:
• Minors ages 12 or older may receive a citation with a $25 forfeiture plus court costs (adding another $50 to $125 or more) or be referred to juvenile intake.
• Minors under age 12 may be referred to the La Crosse County Human Services Department.
• Parents or guardians can also be fined $25 for knowingly allowing their child to violate the curfew.
• Businesses (like hotels or entertainment venues) may face consequences for knowingly allowing minors to stay on-site after hours.
If a municipality within La Crosse County has its own ordinance or fee schedule, the fine may be higher. For example, the standard fine is $124 in the city of La Crosse and $50 in Onalaska. Some cities also impose steeper penalties for repeat offenses or minors involved in another violation (e.g., trespassing, disorderly conduct).
Curfew violations are typically handled by the municipal court, where a judge has discretion to assign community service in place of a fine, especially for first-time offenders.
Keeping curfew — and communication — on track
While curfews may seem old-fashioned, they still serve a role in keeping teens safe and helping parents set healthy boundaries. Understanding your local laws not only helps you avoid fines but also opens the door to important conversations about safety, responsibility, and trust.
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