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The beginning of September and a new school year means the return to an earlier curfew for children younger than 17 in the District.

The curfew begins at 11 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday nights and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The curfew remains in effect until 6 a.m. the following day. During summer months, the curfew is one hour later on week nights.

D.C. law prohibits persons younger than 17 from remaining on a street, in a park or other public place, in a vehicle or on the premises of any business establishment within the District during curfew hours, unless they are involved in certain exempted activities. Exempted activities include work, school, religious, civic or organized recreational activities, as well as the exercise of First Amendment rights.

The law applies to young people regardless of whether they reside in the District.

Young people who repeatedly violate the curfew are subject to penalties that include up to 25 hours of community service. Parents or legal guardians who knowingly permit violations may be fined up to $500.