Curfew Change
Virginia Beach has adjusted the curfew for minors, moving the start time to 10 p.m. citywide everyday and 7 p.m. at the Oceanfront, Fridays through Sundays.
Why This Page Exists
Curfew questions come up often, during summer months, holiday weekends, large events and everyday planning.
This page was created to serve as a stable, evergreen reference point for anyone seeking clear information about the City’s youth curfew. Instead of searching through news articles or social media posts, visitors can rely on this page for:
- The current curfew hours.
- The reasoning behind the curfew update.
- Who the curfew applies to.
- Exceptions and special circumstances.
- Resources for families, teens, and community partners.
- By keeping this information in one place, the City aims to support transparency, safety, and community awareness.
About the Oceanfront Curfew for Unaccompanied Minors
The City of Virginia Beach has implemented a temporary imminent threat curfew for unaccompanied minors within the Oceanfront area.
Curfew Requirements
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The curfew applies to individuals under the age of 18 who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
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The curfew is in effect Fridays through Sundays, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
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The designated curfew zone extends from Rudee Park to 31st Street.
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Specific location: south by Rudee Park, the west by the western boundary of Pacific Avenue, north by the northern boundary of 31St Street, and the east by the Atlantic Ocean.
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Outside of the Oceanfront curfew zone, the standard 11 p.m. curfew for minors remains in effect.
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On March 19, 2026, the 11 p.m. curfew moves to 10 p.m. city-wide (excluding the imminent threat curfew).
Purpose of the Curfew
This temporary curfew has been enacted to:
- Promote public safety during high‑traffic evening hours.
- Support law enforcement efforts to maintain order.
- Ensure a secure environment for residents, visitors, and businesses.
Enforcement
Unaccompanied minors found within the curfew zone after 7 p.m. may be:
- Directed to leave the area.
- Detained until a parent or guardian arrives.
- Subject to penalties, including a Class 1 misdemeanor, in accordance with Virginia law.
Exemptions
The curfew does not apply to minors who are engaged in the following activities:
- Any emergency errand reasonably necessary to safeguard life, limb or property.
- Lawful employment, including going directly from the minor's residence to the place of such employment or returning directly from the place of such employment to the minor's residence.
- Attendance at a specified engagement or performance, attendance at religious services or participation in any assembly or expressive activity protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution; provided that the minor shall have in his possession written permission including the signature, address and telephone number, of a parent, guardian or other adult person having care, custody or control of such minor to attend such activity or event, and shall return directly to his residence upon conclusion.
- Interstate travel through, beginning or terminating in the City of Virginia Beach.
Duration
The curfew will remain in effect on weekends through the end of April.
About the Citywide Curfew Update
The City of Virginia Beach has adjusted the curfew for minors, moving the start time from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. for individuals under 18. The curfew continues through 5 a.m.
This change reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors throughout the year.
The updated curfew is part of a broader effort to support public safety, reduce late‑night incidents involving youth and provide consistency during busy tourism seasons and community events.
Citywide Curfew Hours at a Glance
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Who: Individuals under 18
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Start time: 10 p.m.
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End time: 5 a.m.
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Previous time: 11 p.m. (updated to 10 p.m.)
Exceptions
There are exceptions to the curfew:
- Any emergency errand reasonably necessary to safeguard life, limb or property.
- Lawful employment, including going directly from the minor's residence to the place of such employment or returning directly from the place of such employment to the minor's residence.
- Attendance at a specified engagement or performance, attendance at religious services or participation in any assembly or expressive activity protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution; provided that the minor shall have in his possession written permission including the signature, address and telephone number, of a parent, guardian or other adult person having care, custody or control of such minor to attend such activity or event, and shall return directly to his residence upon conclusion.
- Interstate travel through, beginning or terminating in the City of Virginia Beach.
- If a minor is out after 10 p.m., several City facilities have been identified as pickup locations for parents and guardians throughout the city.
These guidelines help ensure that young people can enjoy the city responsibly while staying safe and supported.
How the Curfew Supports the Community
The curfew is one part of the City’s broader approach to community well‑being. It helps:
- Reduce late‑night disturbances and safety risks.
- Support law enforcement and community partners.
- Provide structure during high‑traffic tourism periods.
- Encourage safe, supervised activities for youth.
- Strengthen communication between families and the City.
By setting clear expectations, the curfew helps create a safer environment for everyone.
Curfew Ordinances
The Oceanfront Curfew for unaccompanied minors was adopted by City Council on March 12, 2026. The Citywide Curfew for unaccompanied minors was adopted by City Council on Feb. 17, 2026. The text of both ordinances can be viewed in the links below.