Virginia Beach, VA Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Applies to
- Minors under 18
- Adult penalty
- Class 4 misdemeanor
- Minor outcome
- Child in need of services
- Last amended
- Ord. No. 3839, Feb. 2026
Summary
Minors under 18 must stay off Virginia Beach streets, parks, and vehicles between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other adult with custody of them.
It shall be unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen (18) to be present on any street, road, alley, avenue, park or other public place in the city, or in any vehicle operating or parked thereon, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by the parent, guardian or other adult person having the care, custody or control of such minor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 23-2 bars anyone under 18 from being on any street, road, alley, park, or other public place in Virginia Beach, or in a vehicle parked or operating there, between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without a parent, guardian, or other adult custodian present. Exceptions cover emergency errands, travel directly to or from lawful employment, attendance at religious services or First Amendment-protected assembly (with written parental permission carried on the minor), and interstate travel through the city. An officer who finds a minor in apparent violation must investigate and may issue a summons, release the minor to a parent, or refer the case to the juvenile court intake division.
Violations & Fines
A parent, guardian, or adult who permits the violation faces a Class 4 misdemeanor. A minor found violating curfew is deemed a child in need of services under Va. Code § 16.1-228 and can be summonsed or referred to juvenile court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Virginia Beach's juvenile curfew?
Are there exceptions to the curfew?
What happens if a minor is caught out past curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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