What You Need to Know About D.C.’s Youth Curfew Law

Why it matters

The District of Columbia’s curfew laws, primarily governed by the Juvenile Curfew Act of 1995 and its 2025 emergency amendment, aim to reduce juvenile crime, promote public safety, and protect minors from harm. In response to rising youth-related disturbances in areas like Navy Yard and U Street, the city enacted tougher curfew rules on July 7, 2025, applicable citywide through the summer.

Driving the news

Mayor Muriel Bowser, alongside Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, introduced the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 to give D.C. police more flexibility to address group disturbances and youth violence. The law extends curfew hours and applies to all persons age 17 and under. It also allows for earlier curfews in designated neighborhoods with high youth-related crime.

What is the D.C. Curfew?

The D.C. curfew restricts persons age 17 and under from remaining in public spaces or private establishments between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless they are engaged in exempted activities. The goal is to deter violence, reduce unlawful gatherings, and protect minors from becoming victims or perpetrators of crime.

Citywide Curfew Hours

• Effective July 7 – August 31, 2025: 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. daily, including weekends
• Beginning September 1, 2025:
  • Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Extended Juvenile Curfew Zones

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is authorized to impose earlier curfews in high-risk areas known as Extended Juvenile Curfew Zones. In these zones, groups of nine or more youths age 17 and under are prohibited from gathering in public after 8:00 p.m. unless engaged in exempted activity.

• Recent zones included Navy Yard (July 11–13, 2025) and U Street (July 17 announcement)
• Zones last up to 15 days and may be extended to 30 days based on safety concerns
• MPD posts signage and issues two audible warnings before taking enforcement action

Emergency Juvenile Curfews

The Mayor has authority to declare citywide Emergency Juvenile Curfews in response to large-scale disturbances or safety risks. These curfews can impose stricter limits temporarily.

Who the Curfew Applies To

• All individuals age 17 and under in D.C., including non-residents
• Parents or legal guardians may be penalized if they allow curfew violations

Exemptions

Youths are exempt if they are:

• Accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult
• On an errand for a parent or guardian without detour
• Traveling to or from work
• Returning from official school, religious, or civic activities
• Involved in an emergency
• Exercising First Amendment rights (e.g., protest, assembly, religion)
• Standing on the sidewalk adjacent to their residence or a neighbor’s (if no complaint is made)

How the Law Is Enforced

• Officers may ask a youth’s age and purpose before taking action
• Minors violating curfew are taken to a police facility or DYRS-designated safe zone until a parent picks them up
• Focus is on education and diversion, not arrest

Penalties

• Youths may be required to perform up to 25 hours of community service
• Parents may be fined up to $500 or ordered to perform community service
• Business owners who allow minors to remain during curfew hours may be penalized unless they notify MPD

Community Response and Concerns

Supporters say the curfew deters group violence and protects youth, especially in nightlife-heavy areas. However, critics including the ACLU of D.C. warn it may disproportionately affect certain communities and lead to unnecessary police interaction. Studies in 2003 and 2014 suggest curfews have limited impact on reducing juvenile crime.

In FY2024, 76 juveniles were taken into custody for curfew violations, most of whom were released to guardians.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

• Youth: Know your curfew hours, avoid large group gatherings, and understand exemptions
• Parents/Guardians: Monitor your child’s whereabouts, especially after 11:00 p.m.
• Businesses: Display curfew notices and report unaccompanied minors
• Private Zones: Areas like The Wharf may enforce stricter curfews, such as 5:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.

What’s next

The emergency curfew is in place until August 31, 2025. A report on its effectiveness is expected by the end of the 90-day period. City leaders will consider adjustments based on data, community input, and public safety needs.

Resources and Support

• Juvenile Curfew Zones 2025 – MPD
• D.C. Youth and Family Resource Portal
• Mental Health Hotline: 1-888-793-4357 (available 24/7)
• DYRS Programs and Family Therapy Services

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