Columbia, SC Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Age covered
- under 14 years old
- Exception
- accompanied by parent/guardian/responsible adult
- Parent liability
- separate offense under Sec. 14-152
- Five Points overlay
- under 17, 11 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Penalty basis
- general penalty, Sec. 1-5
Summary
Columbia's Sec. 14-151 bars minors under 14 from public streets, parks, playgrounds and other public places between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult. Parents who knowingly let a child break curfew face their own violation under Sec. 14-152, and each night's breach is a separate offense.
It shall be unlawful for any minor under the age of 14 years to loiter, idle, wander, stroll, engage in the selling of merchandise of any kind, or play in or upon the public streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds, public buildings or places of amusement, or any public place, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day; provided, however, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to a minor accompanied by his parent, guardian or other adult responsible person having the care and custody of the minor. Each violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a separate offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
Codified from the 1979 Code (§ 2-2061) and still in force, Sec. the following day. The only exception is a minor accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other adult with lawful care and custody. Sec. 14-152 places matching liability on adults: it is unlawful for a parent, guardian or custodian to knowingly permit a minor under 14 to violate the curfew, and Sec. 14-153 separately empowers police to question any minor under 14 found in a public place during regular school hours and to report that minor to school and truancy authorities.
Columbia layers a second, stricter curfew on top of the citywide rule inside the Five Points Adult Hospitality District: Sec. , applying to any minor under 17, not just under 14, and Sec. 14-161 bars a minor from remaining in a public place, parked or moving vehicle, or any Five Points establishment during those hours, with listed exceptions for accompanied minors, work, emergencies, supervised school or civic activities, errands carrying a signed parental note, interstate travel, and First Amendment activity. Both curfews were codified before the city's current chapter renumbering and remain active law enforced by the Columbia Police Department.
Violations & Fines
Each night a minor under 14 is found in a public place during curfew hours is charged as a separate offense under Sec. 14-151, and a parent or guardian who knowingly allows it faces a separate charge under Sec. 14-152. Because neither section states its own fine, punishment defaults to the Code's general penalty, Sec. 1-5: up to a $500.00 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Columbia's curfew hours for young children?
Can I get in trouble if my child breaks curfew in Columbia?
Is the curfew stricter in Five Points?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
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