Local News

The Grants Pass Police Department is reminding parents and juveniles of Oregon's curfew laws and local ordinances.

The purpose of these rules is to keep minors safe during overnight hours when crime may be more likely and to deter late-night disruptions. Police have highlighted the essential parts of the curfew rules and encourage persons to review Oregon Revised Statutes and the City of Grants Pass Ordinance for more details or information.

Oregon Revised Statutes 419C.680 prohibits minors from being in any public places, such as roadways and parks, between midnight and 4 a.m. There are exceptions for minors accompanied by a parent or guardian, engaged in a lawful activity which requires being in a public place, or being an emancipated minor. The statute also prohibits parents or guardians from allowing minors to violate the state law.

The City of Grants Pass has an ordinance which is broader in time limits. Ordinance 5.60.010 restricts minors from being in public places between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Parents and guardians need to be accountable for ensuring minors in their care and custody are safely in their custody during these times unless a lawful exception applies. Appropriate enforcement will apply in repeated incidents involving the same minor out unlawfully during curfew hours. However, in most cases, education will be the goal of any contact with minors.