Lynchburg, VA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Section 27-28, enacted by Ord. No. the following day and defines 'minor' as anyone under 18 who has not been emancipated under Va. 1-333 and is not enlisted in the armed forces. Subsection (b) makes it unlawful for a minor to remain in a public place, in a parked or operating motor vehicle, or on the premises of a private establishment during curfew hours unless one of eight exceptions applies: the minor is with a parent; involved in an emergency; going to, from, or engaged in employment; on the sidewalk directly outside a residence where a parent is home; attending or traveling to a supervised school, religious or civic activity; on a parent-authorized errand carrying a signed note with specified details; engaged in interstate travel through the city; or exercising First Amendment rights such as speech, religion or assembly.

The ordinance reaches beyond the minor: subsection (c) makes it unlawful for a parent to knowingly permit a curfew violation, subsection (d) extends liability to a vehicle owner or operator who knowingly allows a minor to violate curfew, and subsection (e) makes an establishment operator or employee liable for knowingly letting a minor remain past curfew, though promptly calling the Lynchburg Police Department about a minor who refuses to leave is a defense. Subsection (f) separately criminalizes giving a false name or address to an officer investigating a curfew violation.

Before charging a minor, an officer must first investigate under subsection (g)(1), citing Va. 1-260(H)(1), and may release the minor to a parent rather than issue a summons. Any violation, by minor, parent, vehicle operator or establishment, is a class 4 misdemeanor under subsection (g)(2).