City of Lynchburg Issues Curfew for Persons Under Age 18 - Effective Friday, May 26, 2023

May 25, 2023

Lynchburg City Council has implemented a city-wide curfew for all persons under the age of 18 beginning Friday, May 26 at 8:00 a.m. The curfew will remain in effect every night from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. from May 26 to December 1, 2023.  

According to the adopted ordinance, it shall be unlawful for a minor, during curfew hours, to remain in a public place, in a motor vehicle or in an establishment unless the minor is: 

•    accompanied by a parent;  
•    involved in an emergency; 
•    engaged in an employment activity such as going to or returning from work; 
•    on the sidewalk directly abutting their residence with a parent inside; 
•    on an errand at the direction of a parent with permission in writing; 
•    involved in interstate travel through, beginning or terminating in the City; 
•    or exercising First Amendment rights, such as the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech and the right of assembly. 

“The goal of the curfew is to assist community youth who might be at risk of becoming a victim or perpetrator of crime,” said Chief Ryan Zuidema. “Our goal is to ensure public safety for all of our residents through cooperative community partnerships and by reducing the opportunity for violent crime after hours without increasing unnecessary interactions with the youth of our community.”

More information about the curfew, including the full ordinance regarding violation and enforcement, may be found HERE.