What to know about the juvenile curfew in Myrtle Beach.

The City of Myrtle Beach enforces a juvenile curfew in designated areas of the city to promote public safety and reduce late-night incidents involving minors. The ordinance is intended to support families, businesses, residents and visitors. This page explains how the curfew works, where it applies and who it affects. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review this information so they can help minors understand where they are allowed to be and when adult supervision is required. Juvenile Curfew FAQ.

Who the Curfew Applies To

• The juvenile curfew applies to unaccompanied minors (17 years of age and under).
• Unaccompanied means without a parent or guardian.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to review this information so they can help minors understand where they may be and when adult supervision is required.

Curfew Hours

In the “Downtown District” area of Myrtle Beach, minors may not remain in the area between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The Downtown District is from Sixth Avenue South to 21st Avenue North, between Kings Highway and the Atlantic Ocean. It also includes a small extension of west Kings Highway to Broadway Street, between Seventh and Ninth Avenues North. (See Downtown District map at the bottom of this page).

This curfew zone includes, but is not limited to:

• Ocean Boulevard
• The beach and beach accesses
• City parks and city-owned property.
• Common areas of hotels, motels, and apartment buildings
• Shopping centers and business common areas

Citywide Juvenile curfew begins at midnight

Outside of the designated “Downtown District” zone, city parks, and city-owned property, the city’s standard juvenile curfew of 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. remains in effect for all other areas of the city.

Exemptions and Exceptions

The ordinance includes limited exemptions. Juveniles may be present during curfew hours if they are:

• Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Traveling to or from work.
• Experiencing or responding to an emergency.
• Engaged in lawful travel or activities permitted by the ordinance.

Myrtle Beach police officers consider these exemptions when making contact with juveniles and work to ensure situations are handled appropriately.

What Parents and Guardians Should Know

If you are the parent or guardian of someone 17 or under:

• Minors must leave designated downtown areas by 9:00 p.m. unless a parent or legal guardian is with them.
• All minors should be home or at the place they are staying by midnight.
• Talk with your child about curfew expectations and designated zones.
• Plan ahead when visiting the downtown area in the evening.
• Be prepared to respond if contacted by law enforcement regarding your child.

What happens if a minor is taken to the police station for breaking curfew rules?

If a police officer determines that a minor is in violation of the juvenile curfew, the officer may take the minor into custody in accordance with South Carolina Code § 63-19-810 and department policy. When appropriate, the minor may be released to a parent, legal guardian, or another authorized individual as allowed by law. Enforcement of the curfew does not limit an officer’s authority to take action on other applicable statutes, ordinances, or violations of law.

Penalties

Minors found in violation of the juvenile curfew will have their cases handled in accordance with the South Carolina Juvenile Justice Code. Adults who violate the ordinance may be subject to a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.

Questions or Additional Information

For questions about the juvenile curfew ordinance, enforcement or designated areas, contact the Myrtle Beach Police Department at 843-918-1382 or review the official city ordinance and map on this page.

Let’s work together to keep Myrtle Beach a family-friendly community for residents and visitors. Education, parental involvement and community cooperation are essential to keeping our minors safe.