Veritas Aequitas
Curfew
By Vincent C. Ginn, Esq.

 Vegas is a unique place. Unique people, unique customs. Having been born and raised here in Las Vegas, I’ve experienced the frustrations of growing up in this community. What I found the most confusing was the ‘rules’ and the law. Not always did the two correspond with each other.

In each article, I will focus on issues that are important to the younger generation, but due to misinformation, rumors, or myths, were unable to be addressed.

This article I will explain the subject of CURFEW. To those of you under 18, that single word might as well mean SUCK.  The rules regarding curfew are governed by Clark County Code 12.12.010 through 12.12.040.

The Basics
The general rule is that anyone under 18 and not with their parents or guardian is not allowed to be on the public streets between the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from midnight (12:00 a.m.) to 5 a.m. Friday Saturday and holidays.

Exceptions
Other than being accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or responsible party 21 years of age that is approved by the parent, there are a few exceptions to the general rule.

1. If you are legally employed you are given a half-hour before and after work to get directly to and from your home.
2. If you are coming directly home from a place of public entertaining. (i.e. show, movie, concert, game, etc.);
3. If you are traveling to another state with permission from your parent or legal guardian;
4.  If you are on an emergency errand.

Therefore, if you are leaving a scheduled work, entertainment, or school event, you are allowed to be out past 10 p.m. but only for a half hour.

 

Special Locations

In addition to the general rule of not being out past 10 p.m. as discussed above, there are special rules for special places.

The following streets are off limits between the hours of 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and legal holidays and 5 a.m. of the succeeding day, and between 6 p.m. on December 31st and 5 a.m. of the succeeding day:
(1) Las Vegas Boulevard South between Sahara Avenue and Sunset Road;
(2) Harmon Avenue between Las Vegas Boulevard South and Koval Lane;
(3) Dunes Road/Flamingo Road between I-15 and Koval Lane;
(4) Spring Mountain Road/Sands Drive between Vegas Plaza Drive and Koval Lane;
(5) Stardust Road between Industrial Road and Las Vegas Boulevard South;
(6) Convention Center Drive;
(7) Riviera Boulevard;
(8) Circus Circus Drive.

Basically, what the above says is that if you are under the age of 18 you cannot be on the Las Vegas Strip and one block east and west of the Strip between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on the weekends.

Remember that you live in a city that gets a majority of its revenue from the over 21 crowd. The police and business owners are not out there just to harass you. It is their duty and responsibility to maintain the overall picture of Vegas and they are only doing their JOB. So be nice. Now, I am not saying that every cop or business owner will be understanding or nice. Remember you are subject to the quirks of the cop that stops you. They can be nice or they can be jerks. Generally, when you are nice, they are nice back. People that come off rude, defensive, or otherwise irritated are treated as such.

So, I hope I have answered your question in regard to the issue of curfew. I look forward to answering more legal questions in the next issue. Remember, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” Until then, be safe, be kind, and be good.

The information contained in this article is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Given the changing nature of laws, rules and regulations, there may be delays, omissions or inaccuracies in information contained in this article. Accordingly, the information on this article is provided with the understanding that the authors and publishers are not herein engaged in rendering legal, or other professional advice and services. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with legal advisors.
While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this article has been obtained from reliable sources, Smash Magazine is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. In no event will Smash Magazine, its related partnerships or corporations, or the partners, agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this article.