SAVANNAH – May 22, 2024 — With the arrival of summer and the end of the school year, the City of Savannah is reminding parents and guardians of their responsibilities regarding the city’s curfew laws and parental duties.
Curfew Ordinance (Sec. 9-1024):
To ensure the safety and well-being of our youth, it is unlawful for any minor aged 16 or younger to be in public places unsupervised between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, the curfew extends from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m. Exceptions to this ordinance include:
1. When the minor is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other authorized adult.
2. When the minor is on an emergency errand with parental permission.
3. When the minor is returning home directly from a school or church activity.
4. When the minor is returning home directly from lawful employment.
5. When the minor is attending or traveling directly to or from an event involving First Amendment rights.
6. When the minor is in a motor vehicle with parental consent for normal travel.
7. When the minor is on the property or sidewalk adjacent to their residence.
Parents and guardians are also reminded that they are responsible for ensuring their children adhere to the curfew and other laws. Allowing a minor to violate the curfew ordinance due to inadequate supervision is a punishable offense.
Parental Support and Responsibility Ordinance (Sec. 9-1025):
It is crucial for parents, legal guardians, and custodians to exercise reasonable control over their children to protect them from harm and prevent delinquent behavior. Responsibilities include:
• Ensuring children observe the city’s curfew and attend school regularly.
• Providing proper supervision when parents or guardians are absent.
• Preventing children from engaging in destructive, criminal, or harmful activities.
• Keeping controlled substances and firearms out of the reach of children, except as legally allowed.
• Seeking and accepting assistance from governmental or private agencies when necessary.
Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in penalties as prescribed by the city’s code of ordinances.
For more information on the curfew and parental responsibility ordinances, please visit the City of Savannah’s official website or contact the Savannah Police Department.
Website: www.savannahga.gov
