We have created a list of over 400 towns, cities, counties, and states where it is illegal for young people to be outside of their homes at certain times of the day. This list does NOT include emergency curfews, areas where curfews apply to everyone, or automatic curfews resulting from a criminal conviction. It includes both nighttime and daytime curfew laws, but this list should in no way be considered exhaustive.
You are encouraged to read the exact code in the link provided as many of these laws have multiple exceptions, such as having permission from a parent or guardian or exercising your First Amendment Rights. You can also research the penalties, which can include fines, community service, or jail time for both the person violating the law and their parents.
If you are looking for a curfew in your area, remember that curfews can be set at the state, county, and city level. Times are understood to begin on the night of the day listed (even when the time listed is after midnight) and continuing to the next morning. If you know of any area we’ve missed, would like help researching the curfew in your area, or are interested in organizing a campaign challenge curfew laws, please contact us.
Click each state to read about its curfew laws:
States that Prohibit Juvenile Curfews
Texas
in 2023, Texas passed Texas House Bill 1819, which eliminates the authority of cities and counties to adopt or enforce juvenile curfew ordinances. The law explicitly states that political subdivisions cannot impose curfews regulating the movement of people under 18, except during officially declared emergencies.
This means that no city or local ordinance can enforce curfews laws against juveniles. So far, Texas is the only state that has prohibited curfews in this way. This is a great step towards youth rights in Texas, and other states should follow its lead.
