West Haven, CT Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Chapter 86 of the West Haven Code was adopted by the City Council on 6-26-1995 as Ord. No. 347. Section 86-3 bars a minor from remaining, idling, wandering, strolling or being in any public place, on foot or in a vehicle, during nocturnal hours, defined in § 86-2 as 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. by Eastern standard or daylight saving time. A minor is any person under the age of 16. A public place covers any street, alley, highway, sidewalk, park, playground or beach, plus stores, restaurants, taverns, theaters and the front or immediate area of those premises.

The exceptions in § 86-3 include returning home by a direct route after a school, church, club or recreational function for minors, an emergency errand or business directed or permitted by the parent, returning directly from a job, attending or traveling to an activity exercising first amendment rights, bona fide interstate or intrastate travel in a motor vehicle with parental consent, and being on the property or sidewalk where the minor lives or the immediately adjacent property if the owner does not object. A custodian must be over 18 and authorized by the parent.

Section 86-4 makes it unlawful for a parent to knowingly permit, or by insufficient control allow, a minor to be in a public place outside the exceptions. Under § 86-5, an officer with probable cause identifies the minor, warns the minor and orders the minor home. If the minor does not comply, or the officer judges it in the minor's best interest, the officer drives the minor home and gives the parent a warning that a subsequent violation means full enforcement. A minor suspected of delinquent conduct goes to the Police Department, and if no parent can be reached the Chief of Police sends a certified letter.