There comes a time in ever teenager’s day that looms over them like an over-protective parent. It’s Friday night and everyone is hanging out after a sporting event or just with their friends or going to a party. After a few hours of gallivanting across town, the clock strikes that dreaded hour…curfew: the time where all those under a certain age must retire to their houses. Although there are different curfew laws for the state of Illinois and the town of Libertyville, the law requires that the city restrictions take priority over the state restriction. Curfew applies to persons in public buildings, walking in public places, or driving their cars on public streets.
STATE AND VILLAGE CURFEW LAWS
Curfew Laws for Illinois- for those under 17 years of age (*These are both for driving and just out and about)
Between 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on the following day, from Sunday to Thursday
Curfew Laws for Libertyville (for those under 18 years of age)
Out and about:
Between 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on the following day, from Sunday to Thursday
Driving on the Graduated License Program (one year after receiving license):
Between 10:01 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Between 11:01 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday
Curfew Exceptions
Many people will be quite happy to know that there are exceptions to the curfew laws. If you are attending a school-related activity or religious event, then you are exempted from curfew laws. For example, if you attended the Athletes Committed to Excellence cosmic bowling night, it did not end until midnight. However, because it was a school-sponsored event, curfew does not apply while you are driving home.
The Law’s Perspective
Despite the numerous laws and stipulations, officers in Libertyville say that curfew violations are not that prevelent.
"Our kids are pretty good... the majority of them are so busy with sports and activities, that the time they get back...they are exhausted and don’t want to go out," stated student resource officer Bob Uliks.
This makes sense, as Officer Uliks also mentioned that, "you see (violation of curfew laws) a little more (in the summer) because school is out."
Although some people think the age should be older, Officer Uliks believes it is effective as is. According to Uliks, "18 is a good age for curfew to end because... you (minors) can make those decisions. Hopefully people do so wisely."
Even though not everyone thinks curfew is a good thing to have, many, like Uliks, believe it does more good than not.
"The laws have been very beneficial. I think the curfew laws in association with the graduated license laws especially have seen a drastic reduction in teen fatalities and injuries due to accidents," said Uliks.
Officers can be lenient within reason, though. "If you...get caught going home only a half an hour or so after curfew, it’s not that big of a deal," stated Uliks. "Blatant violations are more of an issue. These are the kids that are out at one or two in the morning. Nothing good is going to come out of that," stated Uliks.
Students Say...
"During summer it should be extended later. Since we don’t have school, people want to go out and stay out later," said senior Nathan Wolf.
"They should be extended. Right now, they are way too early," said junior Nicole Jaffke. "Especially for people that have to work late, they are constantly breaking curfew.
"It should be extended later," said senior Kelly Cypher. "People are staying out later and later anyhow and also, events are later, which make us break curfew."
"We should keep them the same," said senior Easton Huch. "It does help stop crime to some degree."
"I think they are unnecessary and there shouldn’t be any for people over the age of 16," said sophomore Sydney Mudd.
"I don’t think the curfew laws matter that much," said freshman Grant Shelly.