Curfew Laws in Norfolk, VA

If you live in Norfolk or are thinking about moving there, curfew laws are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Norfolk has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of curfew laws, and some of them might surprise you.

Juvenile Curfew

Norfolk bars anyone under 18 from streets, parks, alleys, and parked or moving vehicles in public between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless an adult with custody of the minor is present. City Code § 29-3 directs officers to investigate and release the minor to a parent, and lets a parent who knowingly allows the violation be charged with a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Key details: Curfew hours: 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.. Covered minors: Anyone under 18. Parent penalty: Class 4 misdemeanor. Minor under 16: Officer must seek a petition. Minor 16 or older: Petition or summons, officer's choice.

A parent, guardian, or custodial adult who knowingly lets a minor break curfew is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The minor is not prosecuted the same way: a violation makes the minor a 'child in need of services' under Va. Code Title 16.1-228, subjecting the minor and the responsible adult to disposition under Va. Code § 16.1-278.4, which can include court-ordered supervision, counseling, or other services from the juvenile court.

Park Curfew

Norfolk's public parks operate on hours set individually for each park by the director of parks and recreation, posted on-site, under City Code Sec. 30-4. The director may also close any section of any park at any time, temporarily or on a recurring schedule, under Sec. 30-5. Being in a park outside posted hours or a closed area is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Sec. 30-3.

Key details: Citation: Norfolk Code of Ordinances § 30-4, § 30-5. Hours set: Individually per park by the director. Posting required: Hours posted at each individual park. Closure power: Director may close any section anytime. Penalty: Class 2 misdemeanor (§ 30-3).

Being present in a Norfolk park after its posted closing hour, or inside a section the director has declared closed under Sec. 30-5, is a Class 2 misdemeanor under the chapter's general penalty clause, Sec. 30-3, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Norfolk police issue citations based on the hours posted at each individual park or the closure notice in effect.

The Bottom Line

Norfolk'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 Norfolk is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Norfolk's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.