Boston has a juvenile curfew under the municipal code. Minors under 17 are prohibited from being in public places between 11 PM and 6 AM on school nights (Sunday–Thursday) and midnight to 6 AM on weekends (Friday–Saturday) without a parent or guardian. Exceptions apply for employment, emergencies, and supervised activities.
Boston's juvenile curfew ordinance restricts minors under 17 from public streets, parks, and other public places during designated nighttime hours. On school nights (Sunday through Thursday), the curfew runs from 11 PM to 6 AM. On weekends (Friday and Saturday nights), the curfew runs from midnight to 6 AM. Exceptions include minors accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult; minors traveling to or from employment; minors engaged in emergency errands; minors attending supervised school, religious, or civic activities; and minors exercising First Amendment rights (such as attending a political rally with parental consent). The Boston Police Department enforces the curfew with an emphasis on diversion and connecting youth with services rather than punitive action. Minors found in violation are typically brought to a police station and released to a parent or guardian. The curfew is a tool used alongside Boston's youth violence prevention programs.
Minors found in violation are typically returned to parents or guardians. Parents of repeat offenders may face a fine up to $300. The emphasis is on intervention and support services rather than criminal penalties. BPD tracks curfew contacts for referral to youth services.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle juvenile curfew.
See how Boston's juvenile curfew rules stack up against other locations.
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