Wilmington, DE Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime curfew (under 18)
- 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; midnight Fri/Sat
- Under-13 curfew
- 9 p.m.-6 a.m.; 10 p.m. Fri/Sat
- Daytime curfew (ages 5-16)
- 9 a.m.-2 p.m. school weekdays
- Minor's fine
- up to $500
- Parent/operator fine
- up to $600 plus costs
Summary
Wilmington bars anyone under 18 from public places and businesses after 10 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with an earlier 9 p.m. curfew for kids under 13.
No minor shall remain in or upon any public place or any establishment between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day, official city time, except that on Fridays and Saturdays, the hours shall be from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m. No person under the age of 13 years shall remain in or upon any public place or any establishment between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day, official city time, except that on Fridays and Saturdays, the hours shall be from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 36-97 sets a nighttime curfew of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for minors under 18 (midnight to 6 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays), tightening to 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for kids under 13. A separate daytime curfew bars children 5 to 16 from public places on school weekdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Parents who knowingly allow violations and establishment owners who let minors stay past curfew both face separate charges, and police must first issue a written warning before any arrest.
Violations & Fines
Minors face fines up to $500; parents and establishment operators who violate after notice face fines up to $600 plus costs, or jail up to 90 days for nonpayment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Wilmington's minor curfew?
Are there exceptions to the curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wilmington
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