As of July 2, 2026, the District’s youth curfew law was amended by permanent legislation, the Youth Curfew Amendment Act of 2026. (D.C. Official Code § 2-1541 et seq.)
What does the curfew require?
Any person under the age of 18 cannot remain in any public place 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 citywide curfew hours?
Citywide curfew hours are:
July – August
- 12:01 am – 6:00 am seven days a week
September – June
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 pm – 6:00 am
- Friday – Saturday: 12:01 am – 6:00 am
What are Extended Youth Curfew Zones?
The Mayor or the Chief of Police is authorized to establish Extended Youth Curfew Zones. Any person under the age of 18 gathering in a group of nine (9) or more youths in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the perimeter of an extended youth curfew zone must leave the area unless engaged in certain exempted activities.
The Metropolitan Police Department will publicly communicate the boundaries, dates, and times of any extended youth curfew zone, and will post signs around the perimeter of the zone. Youth Curfew Zones will not begin before 8:00 pm.
A list of Youth Curfew Zones declared since July 2025 is available in a link at the bottom of this page.
What activities are exempted from the curfew?
Individuals under the age of 18 are exempt from the youth curfew if they are:
- Accompanying a parent or guardian.
- Completing an errand at the direction of a parent or guardian, without detour or stop.
- Riding in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel.
- Working or returning home from a job, without detour or stop.
- Involved in an emergency.
- Standing on a sidewalk that joins their residence or the residence of a next-door neighbor, if the neighbor did not complain to police.
- Attending 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 juvenile. (This includes traveling to and from the activity.)
- Exercising their First Amendment rights protected by the US Constitution, including the free exercise of speech, religion, and right of assembly
Does the curfew apply to non-District residents?
Yes. The curfew applies to all persons under the age of 18 who are in the District of Columbia during curfew hours. This includes both District residents as well as young people who reside elsewhere.
What are the penalties for violating the law?
- Adult: Up to $500 or community service for each day of violation.
- Minor: Up to 25 hours of community service for each violation.
Is the youth curfew Constitutional?
Passed in 1995, the Juvenile Curfew Act of 1995 (D.C. Official Code 2-1541 et seq.) was enacted to protect the health and safety of young people and our communities. After the law was challenged in court, the US Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found the law to be constitutional in June 1999.
Additional Resources
For more information on programs and safety tips for young people, visit:
