Illinois’ trick-or-treating rules: What to know

Halloween is the time when masks go on and candy fills the bags. Many cities and towns regulate Halloween with trick-or-treating rules to ensure safety, so it’s important to check your local Halloween laws before heading out.

In Illinois, for example, many cities limit trick-or-treating to earlier hours, often between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., with some places also imposing age limits on participants. Some Halloween recommendations can be well-intentioned but a bit unusual. The Chicago Police Department, for instance, recommends trick-or-treating only during the day but also suggests that trick-or-treaters wear light-colored clothing — advice that makes more sense for nighttime activities.

In Belleville, trick-or-treating is allowed between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and is restricted by ordinance to children at or below the eighth-grade level. Additionally, wearing masks by anyone over the age of 12 is prohibited on any day other than Halloween unless express permission is granted by the mayor or chief of police. So, this popular Halloween accessory may be best enjoyed elsewhere outside of Halloween itself.

For those making their rounds in the dusky hours, pint-sized ghouls and goblins should avoid any porches that are not lit up. This simple practice helps to promote safety during nighttime activities.

While public safety is important, parents know their kids best and shouldn’t have to check with their local government about the permitted trick-or-treating hours. If someone doesn’t want to hand out candy at 8:45 p.m., they don’t need a city ordinance dictating the whole town’s schedule.

Studies show that kids can spend up to eight hours a day looking at screens. Halloween is one day a year when they get to spend time outside and engage with their community. Let’s not ruin that experience by telling them to go home too early.

Still, for those on the hunt for free candy, it’s wise to be aware of the local rules to avoid any surprises — especially if your city has some unusual Halloween regulations. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy this special night!
https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-trick-or-treating-rules-what-to-know/