Macon-Bibb County, GA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code Sec. 16-14(a)-(c)
- Age covered
- 16 years old or younger
- Curfew hours
- 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Parent first offense
- Warning only, entered on record
- Exceptions
- 7 listed, including school, work, emergencies
Summary
Macon-Bibb County bars minors 16 and younger from unsupervised public places between midnight and 5:00 a.m. under County Code Sec. 16-14. Parents or guardians who allow a child to violate curfew face a first-offense warning, then escalating Municipal Court penalties for later violations.
(a)Authorized. It is unlawful for any minor sixteen (16) years of age or younger to loiter, wander, stroll or play in or upon the public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other public grounds, public places, public buildings, places of amusement, eating places, vacant lots or any place unsupervised by an adult having the lawful authority to be at such places, between the hours of 12:00 midnight on any day and 5:00 a.m. of the following day. (b)Responsibility of parents. It shall be unlawful for the parent, guardian or other person having custody or control of any child sixteen (16) years of age or younger to permit or by insufficient control to allow such child to be in or upon the public streets or any other places listed in subsection (a) within Macon-Bibb County between the hours of 12:00 midnight on any day and 5:00 a.m. of the following day, except in circumstances set out in subsections (a)(1) through (7). Upon conviction of this section for the first time, a person shall be given a warning by the court.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Comprehensive Land Development Resolution: Supplement 4 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
" The ordinance lists seven exceptions, including when the minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian, on an emergency errand, returning directly home from a school or work activity, exercising First Amendment rights, traveling in a vehicle with parental consent, or on the property or sidewalk of their own residence. Subsection (b), "Responsibility of parents," separately makes it unlawful for "the parent, guardian or other person having custody or control" to "permit or by insufficient control to allow" a covered child to be out during curfew hours outside those exceptions.
A first parental conviction draws only "a warning by the court," entered on the record; further convictions expose the parent to whatever penalty the Municipal Court may impose within Charter limits, with "each violation" a separate offense. Subsection (c) requires the enforcing law enforcement agency to file quarterly reports for up to one year after the section took effect, tracking the curfew's continuing need and effectiveness.
Violations & Fines
A minor found in violation is processed under the state juvenile code, since Section 16-14(a) states such acts "shall be subject to the juvenile code of this state." A parent's first conviction under subsection (b) draws a court warning only; each subsequent conviction is a separate offense subject to Municipal Court penalties within the county Charter's limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Macon-Bibb curfew start for teenagers?
Can a 16-year-old be out at 1 a.m. if a parent gives permission?
What happens to parents if their child breaks curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Macon-Bibb County
Compare Macon-Bibb County to another location·View the Georgia curfew laws overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.