What you need to know about Richmond’s 11 p.m. curfew

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond city officials will be strictly enforcing the 11 p.m. curfew under the city’s code after an uptick in violence resulting in deaths of multiple juveniles in the past three weeks.

In less than three weeks, eight people were shot and killed, including one 14-year-old boy and three 16-year-old boys .

Officers with the Richmond Police Department will be increasing their presence in 21 areas considered as ‘hot spots’ for crime.

“We’re asking parents to bring their children inside their homes where they can be safe,” said Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards during Monday’s press briefing addressing the recent uptick in crime.

What time is the curfew and who is it for?

The curfew will begin at 11 p.m. and end at 5 a.m. for minors at the age of 17 and under.

According to Code 19-385 , it is illegal for a minor to be in a public or on the premises of any establishment in the city during these hours.

Will parents and legal guardians be held accountable?

According to the code, it is unlawful for a parent or legal guardian of a minor to knowingly allow their child to be in a public place during the Richmond’s curfew hours.

Parents and legal guardians are subject to criminal charges should they violate the code.

The same applies for any proprietor, manager or any other person having charge or control of a businesses or establishment to knowingly allow a minor –other than an employee–on the premises during the city’s curfew hours.

Are there exceptions to the curfew?

The following are exceptions to the Richmond’s 11 p.m. curfew, including the following:

• The minor is within 25 feet of their home
• The minor is accompanied with a parent or legal guardian
• The minor is on an emergency errand at the direction of a parent or legal guardian or is involved in a legitimate emergency
• The minor is going to or from work along with school, religious, and/or civic organization activity.

Click here to view the city’s code regarding the 11 p.m. curfew.

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