DC CURFEW LAW - Know the facts!
The District of Columbia now has a curfew for all persons under the age of 17. It is important for you and your family to know what the law says, how it is being enforced, and what alternative programs there are for young people.
What does the law say?
What are the curfew hours?
Does the curfew law apply to non-District residents?
How will the law be enforced?
What are the penalties for violating the law?
What activities are exempted from the law?
Why is the curfew law being enforced now?
What alternative programs are there for young people?
Additional Resources
For more information about Alternative Programs.
What does the law say?
The Juvenile Curfew Act of 1995 (DC Code 2-1541 et. seq.) states that persons under the age of 17 cannot remain in or on a street, park or other outdoor public place, in a vehicle or on the premises of any establishment within the District of Columbia during curfew hours, unless they are involved in certain exempted activities.
What are the curfew hours?
The Juvenile Curfew Act of 1995 (DC Code 2-1541 et. seq.) states that persons under the age of 17 cannot remain in or on a street, park or other outdoor public place, in a vehicle or on the premises of any establishment within the District of Columbia during curfew hours, unless they are involved in certain exempted activities.
What are the curfew hours?
For the months of September through June:Curfew begins at 11 pm on Sunday through Thursday nights, and continues until 6 am the following day
Curfew hours are 12:01 am to 6 am on Saturday and Sunday (curfew on "Friday night" begins at 12:01 am Saturday; curfew on "Saturday night" begins at 12:01 am Sunday)
During July and August only:Curfew hours are 12:01 am to 6 am, seven days a week