Fall Break Safety Reminders from Gilbert PD

Gilbert, Ariz. - As Fall Break begins, the Gilbert Police Department reminds parents and guardians that youth safety starts at home. Knowing where your child is, who they're with, and what they're doing is essential, not just for their well-being, but for the safety of our entire community.

Starting September 19, Gilbert PD will increase patrols in areas frequently visited by youth, focusing on enforcing laws related to underage drinking, curfew violations, and unruly gatherings.

Gilbert's Curfew Ordinance for Minors

• Minors under age 16 may not be in public places away from their residence between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. the following day.

• Minors aged 16 to under 18 may not be in public places away from their residence between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

• Parents or guardians may not knowingly allow minors to violate curfew laws or fail to take custody of a minor when requested by law enforcement.

Exceptions to the Curfew Ordinance include:

1. The minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian.

2. Traveling in a motor vehicle with prior parental permission as part of interstate travel.

3. Going to, returning from, or engaged in employment with prior parental permission, using the most direct route.

4. Responding to an emergency.

5. Participating in a legitimate activity (e.g., school, religious, or recreational events) supervised by responsible adults, with prior parental permission.

6. Exercising First Amendment rights with prior parental permission.

7. Being married and 16 or older, or serving in the military.

8. Standing on the sidewalk adjacent to their residence or at a neighbor's property with consent.

Unruly Gatherings

An unruly gathering is any party or event, public or private, that disrupts the reasonable enjoyment of property by others.

Under the ordinance, responsible person(s) could be a property owner, landlord, tenant, or any sponsor. If the person is under age 18, the responsible persons would also include their parents or guardians. An owner, landlord, or tenant would not be liable unless they were present, had knowledge of the gathering, or an unlawful gathering had taken place on their property within the prior 180 days.

Penalties include:

• Civil fines ranging from $500 to $2,500

• Class 1 misdemeanor charges for habitual offenders within 18 months

• Liability for costs incurred by the Town in responding to the gathering

Know Your Ride: Electric Bicycle & Motor-Driven Cycle Safety

Gilbert PD's Know Your Ride campaign is focused on educating parents, teens, and riders of all ages about he legal differences between e-bikes and electric motorcycles before a decision is made to purchase one

• Electric bicycles must have operable pedals, a motor under 750 watts, wheels at least 16 inches in diameter, and a max speed of 20-28 MPH depending on class. Riders must follow all bicycle laws.

• Devices without pedals or smaller wheels may be classified as motorcycles or motor-driven cycles, depending on horsepower.

• Riders of these vehicles must:

  • Hold a valid Arizona driver's license with a Class M endorsement

  • Register and insure the vehicle

  • Display an ADOT-issued license plate

  • If under 18, wear eye protection and a helmet

Fall Break Safety Tips

• Stay Connected: Know where your teen is, who they're with, and what they're doing.

• Start the Conversation: Encourage your teen to report safety concerns to police.

• Report, Don't Repost: Urge teens to report acts of violence to police-not share them on social media.

We all play a role in helping our youth make safe choices. Gilbert PD encourages residents to report any activity that could endanger young people, including underage drinking, drug use, or violence.

This summary highlights key laws affecting youth and is not intended to provide full legal definitions or restrictions.

Contact Gilbert PD: 480-503-6500 | 9-1-1 for emergencies | gilbertaz.gov/SubmitATip