How Virginia Beach Handles Curfew Laws: A Practical Guide
Virginia Beach maintains 161 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with curfew laws. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Virginia Beach falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Juvenile Curfew
Minors under 18 must stay off Virginia Beach streets, parks, and vehicles between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other adult with custody of them.
Key details: Curfew hours: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.. Applies to: Minors under 18. Adult penalty: Class 4 misdemeanor. Minor outcome: Child in need of services. Last amended: Ord. No. 3839, Feb. 2026.
A parent, guardian, or adult who permits the violation faces a Class 4 misdemeanor. A minor found violating curfew is deemed a child in need of services under Va. Code Β§ 16.1-228 and can be summonsed or referred to juvenile court.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Virginia Beach actively enforces its juvenile curfew requirements.
Park Curfew
Virginia Beach closes all city parks and their parking areas between sunset and sunrise; anyone who enters or remains during those hours faces a misdemeanor charge and a $200 to $500 fine.
Key details: Hours: Closed sunset to sunrise daily. Penalty: $200 to $500 fine. Charge: Misdemeanor (unspecified class). Enforcement: Virginia Beach Police Department. Exception: City-sponsored or permitted events exempt.
Entering or remaining in a city park or its parking lot after sunset is a misdemeanor carrying a $200 to $500 fine, enforced by Virginia Beach Police.
This is one of the stricter rules in Virginia Beach's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Virginia Beach is tougher than many cities when it comes to curfew laws. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Virginia Beach, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Virginia Beach'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.