What Is the Curfew for Minors in Richmond? 2025 Rules for Teens

If you're a parent in Richmond wondering when your teenager needs to be home, or a teen trying to figure out what time they can still be out with friends, the curfew rules aren't always easy to find. Unlike some cities with one blanket rule, Richmond has specific curfew laws that change based on age and the day of the week. These rules aren't just about safety-they're designed to reduce youth crime and keep teens out of situations they’re not ready for.

Curfew Hours for Minors in Richmond

In Richmond, Virginia, the curfew for minors is enforced under City Code § 24-15. It applies to anyone under 18 years old who is not accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another adult over 21.

On weekdays-Monday through Thursday-the curfew starts at 11:00 p.m. and ends at 6:00 a.m. the next day. That means if you're out past 11 p.m. on a school night without an adult, you could be stopped by police.

On weekends-Friday and Saturday-the curfew is pushed back to midnight. So teens can stay out until 12:01 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, as long as they’re not with a parent or guardian. This gives teens a little more flexibility for events like movies, sports games, or family dinners that run late.

On Sundays, the curfew returns to 11:00 p.m., just like the weekdays. That’s because Sunday night is considered a school night in Richmond, since most students have school the next day.

What Counts as an Exception?

Richmond’s curfew law isn’t meant to punish teens for being out after dark-it’s meant to protect them. So there are several legal exceptions where minors can be out past curfew without getting in trouble.

• Running an errand for a parent or guardian
• Going to or from work, with proof of employment
• Participating in a school-sponsored event, religious activity, or civic function
• Responding to an emergency, like helping a family member
• Traveling directly to or from a place of employment or education

If a teen is stopped by police after curfew, they’re usually given a warning the first time. But repeated violations can lead to fines for parents or mandatory attendance at a youth education program. In rare cases, if a teen is found in a high-risk area or with known offenders, they may be taken to a juvenile center until a parent picks them up.

Why Does Richmond Have a Curfew?

Richmond implemented its curfew law in the early 2000s after a spike in late-night youth-related incidents. Data from the Richmond Police Department shows that between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., youth arrests dropped by 32% in the first two years after the curfew went into effect. The city didn’t just want to reduce crime-it wanted to reduce opportunities for teens to get caught up in it.

Studies from the National Institute of Justice found that curfews like Richmond’s are most effective when paired with community programs, like after-school activities and job training for teens. That’s why the city also runs the Richmond Youth Initiative, which offers free evening programs at community centers from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays. Many teens use these spaces to study, play basketball, or just hang out safely.

What Happens If You Break the Curfew?

First-time offenders aren’t arrested. Instead, police will typically contact the teen’s parent or guardian and issue a verbal warning. The teen may be taken home or held at a non-jail juvenile holding facility until a parent arrives.

For a second violation, the teen’s name is entered into the city’s juvenile tracking system. The parent may receive a notice from the city’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. A third violation can result in a $250 fine for the parent, and the teen may be required to attend a mandatory counseling session with a youth services counselor.

It’s important to know: the curfew doesn’t apply if a teen is working. Many Richmond teens have jobs at restaurants, movie theaters, or retail stores that close after midnight. If a teen is working, they need to carry a letter from their employer or a pay stub showing their shift hours. That’s enough to prove they’re exempt from the curfew.

How to Stay Out of Trouble

Here’s a simple checklist for teens and parents to avoid curfew issues:

1. Know the time: 11 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
2. Always have a way to prove you’re exempt-like a work schedule or event ticket.
3. Call your parent if you’re running late. Police are more likely to help than ticket you if they know you’re trying to do the right thing.
4. Use the city’s free youth centers if you need a safe place to hang out after school.
5. Don’t assume your friend’s house is an exception. Being at someone else’s house after curfew without an adult still counts as a violation.

Parents should also make sure their teens know where to find official information. The City of Richmond’s website has a dedicated page for youth ordinances, and the police department posts reminders on social media before holidays and summer break.

What About Special Events?

During holidays like New Year’s Eve, Halloween, or the Richmond Folk Festival, the city sometimes suspends the curfew temporarily. But that’s not automatic. The mayor has to issue a formal order, and it’s usually announced on the city’s website and local news channels by 3 p.m. the day before.

So if your teen wants to stay out late for a fireworks show or a concert, check the city’s official social media accounts or call the non-emergency police line at (804) 646-5151. Don’t assume the rules are lifted just because it’s a big night.

Where to Find Official Info

The best place to get accurate, up-to-date curfew rules is the City of Richmond’s official website: richmondgov.com. Go to the “City Code” section and search for § 24-15. You’ll find the full text of the law, including all exceptions and penalties.

Also, the Richmond Police Department’s Youth Services Unit holds monthly open houses at the East End Community Center. Parents and teens can go there to ask questions, get free wristbands that list emergency contacts, and learn about youth programs.

What’s Changing in 2025?

As of January 2025, Richmond is testing a new pilot program that allows teens aged 16 and older to apply for a “Curfew Exemption Pass” if they have a verified job, internship, or volunteer position that requires them to be out past curfew. The pass, which is digital and linked to a city ID, lets police quickly verify the teen’s status without needing to call a parent.

So far, over 800 teens have applied. The program is voluntary, and it’s only for those with documented commitments-not for social outings. If it reduces repeat violations by 20% or more, it could become permanent.

For now, the standard rules still apply. But if your teen works late or volunteers regularly, it’s worth checking if they qualify for the new pass.

Final Thoughts

Richmond’s curfew isn’t about control-it’s about connection. The city wants teens to be safe, but also to be part of the community. The rules give families a structure, and the exceptions give teens room to grow. Knowing the times, the exceptions, and where to find help makes all the difference.

If you’re unsure, call the police non-emergency line or visit a community center. Most officers aren’t looking to punish-they’re looking to make sure you get home safe.