Alpharetta, GA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Section 30-34 defines 'curfew hours' as 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday until 6:00 a.m. the next day, and 11:59 p.m. on Friday or Saturday until 6:00 a.m. the next day, applying to any 'minor,' defined as a person 17 or under. Section 30-35 sets three parallel offenses: it is unlawful for a minor to loiter, wander, or play in public places unsupervised during curfew hours; unlawful for a parent, guardian, or custodian to knowingly, or through insufficient control, allow the minor to be out during curfew; and unlawful for an establishment owner, operator, or employee to knowingly allow a minor on the premises during curfew.

Section 30-37 lists seven exceptions: the minor is with a parent or guardian; running an emergency errand or seeking medical treatment; returning directly home from a school activity, entertainment, or dance; returning directly home from lawful employment; exercising First Amendment rights; riding in a vehicle with parental consent, including interstate travel; or being an emancipated minor under O.C.G.A. § 20-2-16.03(3). Section 30-38 sets penalties: a first conviction draws only a warning citation for an adult, parent, guardian, or establishment employee, with a fine under section 1-8 only for further convictions, while minors are adjudicated under state law.

Section 30-39 requires an officer to ask the person's age and reason for being out and to reasonably believe an offense occurred and no exception applies before citing or arresting. All four sections trace to Ordinance No. 535, § 1, adopted February 2, 2004.