Haven’t we all had an experience with the mother/aunt/grandmother who said, “Nothing good happens after midnight?”
Although the phrase was a motherly warning to avoid trouble after dark, it brings forward an important public safety reminder of curfew that’s often most relevant during the longer days of summer and break from school.
Curfews originated in medieval times, when it was known as a “lights out” signal to go to bed. Later, it took on a public safety-oriented designation, with the intent of reducing risks related to arson or public revolts. Unfortunately, city- and community-wide curfews are still instituted in some areas of war or civil unrest, and usually enforced by military. For cities in the U.S., though, modern-day curfews remain in place as an added measure of protection and safety for minors.
In Westerville, the curfew for minors under the age of 14 is 9 p.m. to sunrise; for minors under the age of 18, it is 11 p.m. to sunrise. It’s important to note, though, that not all central Ohio communities have adopted the same curfew times (see below). Parents and guardians may want to advise their children of the discrepancies so they don’t get confused on curfew hours when and if they are visiting friends or traveling between cities. Visit www.westerville.org to see the full ordinance text on curfew: 517.10 and 517.11.
In general, Westerville officers are not patrolling each and every night for curfew violations. Most often, a curfew violation is associated with another violation, including traffic stops for speeding, or other issues such as vandalism or trespassing. However, it is up to each officer and situation-specific; he or she will use professional discretion when making the determination on a curfew violation.
Remember the sage advice of your mother/aunt/grandmother and stay in the know for times in Westerville and surrounding community to avoid a curfew violation.
Upper Arlington
• Curfew for minors under 12 years is 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
• Curfew for minors ages 12-17 is midnight to 5:30 a.m.
Columbus
• Curfew for minors under 13 years is one hour after sunset to 4:30 a.m.
• Curfew for minors ages 13-17 is midnight to 4:30 a.m.
Gahanna
• Curfew for minors under 14 years is 10 p.m. to sunrise.
• Curfew for minors ages 14-17 is 11 p.m. to sunrise.
Dublin
• Curfew for minors under 13 years is 9 p.m., including Sundays and holidays (during the school year).
• Curfew for minors under 13 years is 10 p.m. (not during the school year).
• Curfew for minors ages 13-17 is midnight to 4:30 a.m.
Worthington
• Curfew for minors under 13 years is one hour after sunset to 4:30 a.m.
• Curfew for minors ages 13-17 is midnight to 4:30 a.m.
Hilliard
• Curfew for minors under 12 years is from “darkness until dawn.”
• Curfew for minors ages 12-17 is midnight to 6 a.m.
Bexley
• Curfew for minors under 12 years is 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Curfew for minors ages 12-17 is midnight to 6 a.m.
Grove City
• Curfew for minors under 18 years is midnight to 4:30 a.m.
Whitehall
• Curfew for minors under 12 years is 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
• Curfew for minors ages 12-17 is 11 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Westerville
• Curfew for minors under 14 years is 9 p.m. to sunrise.
• Curfew for minors ages 14-17 is 11 p.m. to sunrise.
*Unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
*Varying exceptions related to employment, verifiable emergency errands and legitimate business under the direction of a parent or guardian
NOTE: This data was collected from online research and is believed to be accurate.
By Lt. Tracey Myers, Community Services Bureau, Westerville Division of Police
