Charleston's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Charleston, South Carolina, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Park Curfew

Every public park, recreational facility and playground the City of Charleston operates closes from dusk to dawn under City Code § 22-2, unless the site is hosting a city-organized or permitted activity, is staffed by the city, or the recreation or parks director has ordered different hours. Either director may also close a park anytime for maintenance.

Key details: Default hours: Closed dusk to dawn. Exceptions: Permitted activity, city staffing, director order. Maintenance closures: Directors may close anytime. Penalty: Misdemeanor, up to $500 fine/30 days jail. Adopted: Ordinance 2010-111, July 20, 2010.

Being in a city park after dusk without a permitted activity, city staffing, or director-ordered extended hours violates § 22-2 and, per § 22-9, is a misdemeanor punished under the Code's general penalty, § 1-16: a fine up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail.

Juvenile Curfew

Charleston bans anyone 17 or younger from lingering in a public place, parked vehicle, or Central Business District establishment between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Thursday through Sunday, and every night in June, July and August. City Code § 21-114, adopted June 17, 2025, lets police release a compliant minor to a parent, but adults who knowingly let a juvenile break curfew face up to a $500 fine or 30 days in jail.

Key details: Curfew hours: 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Thu-Sun; nightly in summer. Zone: Central Business District only. Age covered: 17 and under. Adult penalty: Up to $500 fine or 30 days jail. Effective date: June 17, 2025 (Ord. 2025-090).

A juvenile taken into custody for a curfew violation is processed under the South Carolina Juvenile Justice Code rather than fined directly. Adults, including a parent who knowingly permits the violation, a vehicle owner, or an establishment operator or employee who lets a minor remain, face a fine up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail under § 21-114(f)(2). Giving a false name, birth date, address or phone number to an investigating officer is also unlawful.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Charleston actively enforces its juvenile curfew requirements.

The Bottom Line

Charleston's curfew laws rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Charleston is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Charleston can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.