Fayetteville, NC Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Ages covered
- 16 years and under
- Code section
- Code of Ordinances § 17-34
- Penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor, $500 maximum
- Status
- Reinstated permanently June 2026
Summary
Fayetteville's Youth Protection Safety Ordinance bars juveniles 16 and under from public places between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The original one-year pilot lapsed on May 27, 2026, and city council reinstated the curfew as a permanent ordinance effective June 22, 2026.
A curfew applicable to juveniles as defined above is established and shall be enforced within the City of Fayetteville from the hours of 11:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. upon any public place as previously defined in this article.
Full Breakdown
Section 17-34 of Chapter 17 sets the curfew and defines juvenile as any person 16 years of age and under. The offenses fall on adults rather than the youth: a parent or guardian who knowingly permits or by insufficient control allows the juvenile out during restricted hours, an establishment owner, operator, or employee who knowingly allows a juvenile to remain on the premises, anyone 17 or older who aids or abets a juvenile, and a parent who refuses to take custody. An officer must first ask the apparent juvenile's age and reason for being out before citing or arresting. Enforcement runs citywide on any public place.
Violations & Fines
A violation by any person age 17 and above is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine up to $500.00 under N.C.G.S. §§ 160A-175 and 14-4. Juveniles face no criminal penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the curfew still in force?
When can a 16-year-old be out after 11 p.m.?
Can a teen get out of the curfew for a specific night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fayetteville
Compare Fayetteville to another location·View the North Carolina curfew laws overview
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