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Charleston, WV Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Weeknight curfew
10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.
Weekend curfew
12:01 a.m.–6:00 a.m.
Applies to
Anyone under 18
Adult violation
Misdemeanor charge

Summary

Charleston bars anyone under 18 from public places between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on school nights and after 12:01 a.m. on weekends, with police-permit exceptions.

Restricted hours means... (1)10:00 p.m. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until 6:00 a.m. of the following day; and(2)12:01 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. on any Friday or Saturday. ...(1)A juvenile commits an offense by being present in or remaining in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the city during the restricted hours.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 78-210 sets 'restricted hours' as 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights and 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. During those hours a juvenile (under 18) may not be present in any public place or on an establishment's premises. Parents/guardians and business owners who knowingly allow it also commit an offense, subject to listed exceptions (accompanied by parent, direct-route errands, work, emergencies, school/religious/civic activities, First Amendment activity, or a police chief's special permit).

Violations & Fines

Juvenile: adjudicated delinquent, court dispositional alternatives under W. Va. Code Sec. 49-5-2. Parent, guardian, owner, operator, or employee who knowingly allows a violation: guilty of a misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Charleston's curfew start?
10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 12:01 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, both running until 6:00 a.m.
Can a business be cited for letting a minor stay past curfew?
Yes: an owner, operator, or employee who knowingly allows a juvenile to remain during restricted hours commits a misdemeanor under Sec. 78-210(c)(3).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Charleston

Park CurfewSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementSignificant Restrictions

All Charleston rules

Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia curfew laws overview

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