Did you know that DC has a curfew law? The Youth Curfew Act of 1995 was enacted to keep minors safe and out of trouble in the nation’s capital. The curfew law states that persons under the age of 17 “may not remain on or in a street, park, or other outdoor public places, in a vehicle, or on the premises of any establishment within the District of Columbia during curfew hours.
DC curfew hours
Sunday to Thursday: 11
p. M. A 6 a. M. Friday to Saturday: 12:01 a.m. M. A 6 a. M.
During July and August, the curfew time is 12:01 a.m. M. A 6 a. M. Every day.
If a minor violates curfew law, his parent or legal guardian may be held liable and subject to a fine of up to $ 500. A minor who violates curfew may be ordered to perform up to 25 hours of service community.
DC’s curfew law applies to everyone under the age of 17, regardless of where they reside. Under the Youth Curfew Act of 1995, persons under the age of 17 are exempt from curfew if:
- Accompany a parent or guardian
- Complete an errand following the instructions of a parent or guardian, without detours or stops.
- Traveling in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel
- Work or come home from a job, without detours or stops.
- Get involved in an emergency
- Stand on a sidewalk that joins your residence or the residence of a next door neighbor, if the neighbor did not complain to the police
- Attend an official school, religious or other recreational activity sponsored by the District of Columbia, a civic organization or other similar group that takes responsibility for the minor (this includes travel to and from the activity)
- Exercise your First Amendment rights protected by the U.S. Constitution, including the free exercise of speech, religion, and the right of assembly
Alternative programs and centers
- Alliance of Concerned Men – 3227 Dubois Place, SE Washington, DC (202) 575-2060
- Asian American LEAD (Leadership, Empowerment and Development for Youth and Families) – 3045 15th Street, NW Washington, DC (202) 884-0322
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington – 1320 Fenwick Lane Silver Spring, MD (301) 587-4315
- My Children – 2263 Mt. View Place, SE Washington, DC (202) 610-1055
- DC Parks and Recreation Department – 3149 16th Street, NW Washington, DC (202) 673-7660
- Latin American Youth Center – 1419 Columbia Road, NW Washington, DC (202) 319-2225
- Libraries Online Computer Training Center – Martin Luther King Memorial Library, 901 G Street, NW Washington, DC (202) 727-1298
- Youth Assistance League for Sexual Minorities – 410 7th Street, SE Washington, DC (202) 546-5940
For more information on counseling and recreational services, please contact District Responses . Helpline on (202) INFO-211 (463-6211) or online at answersplease.dc.gov.
