Washington Statewide Rule
Washington Has No Statewide Juvenile Curfew Law
Key Facts
- Statewide curfew
- None
- Local authority
- RCW 35.22 / 35A.11
- Constitutional review
- Article I, Section 7
- Minor restrictions
- RCW 26.28.080
Summary
Washington does not impose a statewide juvenile curfew; cities may enact local curfews under general police powers, subject to constitutional limits.
(1) Any code city has the authority to enact an ordinance, for the purpose of preserving the public safety or reducing acts of violence by or against juveniles that are occurring at such rates as to be beyond the capacity of the police to assure public safety, establishing times and conditions under which juveniles may be present on the public streets, in the public parks, or in any other public place during specified hours. (2) The ordinance shall not contain any criminal sanctions for a violation of the ordinance.
Full Breakdown
Washington has not enacted a general statewide juvenile curfew law. Local curfew ordinances are authorized under general police powers in RCW 35.22 (first-class cities) and RCW 35A.11 (code cities), subject to state and federal constitutional review. The Washington Supreme Court has reviewed curfew ordinances under article I, section 7 privacy and equal protection grounds. State law in RCW 26.28.080 prohibits selling tobacco and certain age-restricted activities to minors but does not impose general nighttime curfews.
Violations & Penalties
Penalties depend on each city's local ordinance; no statewide criminal penalty exists for curfew violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington have a statewide curfew for minors?
Can Washington cities legally enact curfews?
Sources
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