New Curfew Ordinance: A Breakdown on the Change

Starting March 19, Virginia Beach is tightening up its curfew rules for anyone under 18. This change will push the current curfew back one hour, from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. The new curfew was approved by the City Council during its Feb. 17 meeting. 

The curfew applies only to unaccompanied minors between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. This includes those alone at night, attending unpermitted events, or meeting up with friends.  

What's the purpose of the new curfew 

The purpose of the curfew is to reduce late-night incidents involving minors and help lower overall crime. The curfew encourages teens to make responsible choices, while ensuring they’re safe during late hours and encourage responsible behaviors for minors. The curfew also ensures a family-friendly environment is maintained in Virginia Beach. The main focus is to promote public safety. 

The goal isn't to limit fun, but to ensure that nighttime activities remain safe, supervised and in line with City guidelines. 

A minor is out past curfew, what could happen? 

• The minor remains with the police until a parent or guardian picks them up. 
• If a minor is out past curfew, and the police decide it’s necessary, they may be taken to a state-certified crisis center or juvenile shelter for safety. 
• In some cases, they could be brought to the intake division of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court here in Virginia Beach. From there, the court will determine whether the minor should be released or detained, following the guidelines in Virginia law (§16.1-246 et seq.). 
• In certain situations, the minor might receive a verbal warning or a Class 4 misdemeanor violation.

Curfew Exceptions 

Minors with a valid reason for being out won’t be affected by the new curfew.  Being out after 10 p.m. is allowed in several situations. 

Exceptions include: 

• Any emergency errand reasonably necessary to safeguard life, limb or property.
• Lawful employment, including going directly from the minor's residence to the place of employment or returning directly from the place of employment to the minor's residence.
• Attendance at a specified engagement or performance, attendance at religious services or participation in any assembly or expressive activity protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. In this case, minors must have written permission to attend the activity or event and shall return directly to their residences when it ends. The written permission must include the signature, address and telephone number of a parent, guardian or other adult person having care, custody or control of the minor.
• Interstate travel through, beginning or terminating in the City of Virginia Beach.

What this means for teens 

• New curfew is 10 p.m. not 11 p.m.
• Remember to ask your parents or guardian for written permission to attend scheduled events.
• If you do go out, be safe and aware of the time, so you get home on time.

For more information visit VirginiaBeach.gov/CurfewChange. 

• Curfew Change for Minors