Bristol Township, PA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

The Nighttime Curfew article of Chapter 87 was adopted by Township Council on 10-20-1992 as Ord. No. 92-17. Section 87-3 defines a minor as any person under 18, meaning 17 or fewer years of age. Section 87-4 sets three start times that all run to 6:00 a.m.: 10:00 p.m. for minors 11 or fewer, 10:30 p.m. for minors 12 or 13, and 11:00 p.m. for minors 14 or more.

The word street is drawn broadly. It covers cartways, curbs, sidewalks and grass plots in the right-of-way, ways over private property that the owner lets the public use, and parking areas of any type open to the public. Under the definition of remain, groups of four or more persons count when a minor is not using the street for ordinary or serious purposes such as passage or going home.

Section 87-5 lists eleven exceptions, including a minor accompanied by a parent or by an adult a parent has authorized, a minor exercising First Amendment rights after delivering a written notice to the Managing Director, and a minor on the sidewalk of the home or of a next-door neighbor who has not objected. A minor returning home by a direct route within 30 minutes of a school or voluntary association activity is covered if written notice was filed with the Chief of Police. A minor carrying a certified employment card signed by the Chief of Police, or riding in a motor vehicle with parental consent, is also exempt. The Managing Director can grant special permits and issue regulations for necessary nighttime activities.

Parents carry their own duty under § 87-6, which makes it unlawful to knowingly permit a minor, or allow one by inefficient control, to be on the street in violation. Under § 87-7, police normally take a minor to the Township police station, notify a parent, and file a written report within 24 hours. After a first violation by a minor, the Chief of Police sends a parent a certified mail warning.

This is separate from Article II, the Daytime Curfew, which covers students of compulsory school age during the school day under § 87-12.