Charlotte City Council voted to enact a 10 p.m. curfew for teenagers under 18, starting Nov. 1, 2026, to Aug. 31, 2027. 

The 10-month pilot program will test if an earlier curfew curbs “teen takeovers” of city spaces, increases public safety, and reduces youth crime. 

There are exceptions to the new rule. Teens can still be out after 10 p.m. for reasons including work, school, religious activities, or an emergency.

“The idea is not to look for young people that are out at 10 p.m. and say, just because you’re young or look young, we’re going to stop you,” Charlotte City Council Member J.D. Mazuera Arias said.