Spring Break Safety Tips from Gilbert PD

Gilbert, Ariz. - Spring Break has arrived, and the Gilbert Police Department is asking our community to join us in helping make it safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Over the next several weeks, officers will increase patrols in areas where we expect more foot traffic, especially places where teens and families gather. Our goal is to support a safe and enjoyable Spring Break for our community.

Keeping Our Youth Safe

• Stay connected with your teen. Know where they are, who they're with, and what they're doing.
• Have open conversations about safety and the importance of speaking up if something feels wrong.
• Encourage "Report, Don't Repost." If your teen sees acts of violence or concerning behavior, reporting it immediately to police helps keep everyone safe.

We're asking for the community's partnership. If you see or hear about any activity that could put our young people at risk, such as underage drinking, drug use, or violence, please report it as soon as possible. Together, we can create an environment where Gilbert's youth feel supported and safe.

What is Gilbert's Curfew Ordinance for Minors?

• It is unlawful for any minor under the age of 16 years to be in, about, or upon any place in the town away from the property where the youth resides between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day
• It is unlawful for any minor 16 years of age or older and under the age of 18 years, to be in, about, or upon any place in the town away from the property where the child resides between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• It is unlawful for a parent or guardian of a minor to knowingly permit, or by insufficient control, allow a minor to violate subsection (b)(1) or subsection (b)(2) of this section
• It is unlawful for a parent, guardian or other person having the care, custody or supervision of the minor to fail or refuse to take custody of the minor after such demand is made upon him by a law enforcement officer who arrests the minor for violation of subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section

Defenses or Exceptions to Gilbert's Curfew Ordinance includes the following for a minor:

• The minor is accompanied by their parent or guardian
• With prior permission of the parent or guardian, in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel
• With prior permission of the parent or guardian, in an employment activity or going to or returning home from an employment activity without any detour or stop by the most direct route
• Involved in an emergency
• With prior permission of the parent or guardian was engaged in reasonable, legitimate, and specific business and/or activity. Examples include, but are not limited to, a juvenile with prior permission of the parent or guardian, attending an official school, religious or other recreational activity supervised by adults who take responsibility for the minor, or going to or returning home from an official school, religious or other recreational activity supervised by adults who take responsibility for the minor
• With prior permission of the parent or guardian, engaged in a reasonable and legitimate exercise of First Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution
• Married and 16 years of age or over, or in the military
• On the sidewalk abutting their residence or in the next-door neighbor's property with the consent of the neighbor

Unruly Gatherings:

An unruly gathering means a party, gathering, or event on any public or private property, including property used to conduct business, in a manner which causes a disturbance of the reasonable enjoyment of private or public property by any person or persons.

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 for Unruly Gatherings Ordinance Violations:

• A civil violation with a penalty fine between $500 and $2,500
• Habitual offenders within an 18-month period will face a Class 1 misdemeanor
• A responsible party would also be liable for the actual costs incurred by the Town in responding to the gathering

Electric Bicycles and Motor-Driven Cycle Safety:

• Electric bicycles are bicycles or tricycles that are equipped with fully operable pedals, an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts, wheels at least 16 inches in diameter, and cannot exceed 20 or 28 MPH depending on class of electric bicycle. If the device complies with those definitions and requirements, riders of electric bicycles are still required to follow all laws applicable to non-electric bicycles under Arizona law and town ordinances
• If the device does not comply with those definitions and requirements, such as not having pedals or a wheel that is at least sixteen inches in diameter, the device would be either a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle, depending on horsepower
• Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles require the rider to have an Arizona driver's license with a class "M" endorsement. The motorcycle or motor-driven cycle must be insured and registered with MVD, and must display an ADOT-provided license plate
• If the rider of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle is under 18 years of age, they are also required to wear eye protection and a helmet

Learn more about e-bike safety at gilbertaz.gov/KnowYourRide

This is a brief summary of specific laws and is not intended to provide full definitions, descriptions, or restrictions.

We hope everyone in our community enjoys a fun and safe Spring Break. Thank you for helping keep Gilbert a great place to live.

Contact Gilbert PD:
480-503-6500 | 9-1-1 for emergencies | glbrt.is/GPDSubmitATip