Teens & Curfews – Georgia Law plus a Parent Survey

Last week someone suggested we offer a survey about teens and curfews. 

I love this idea.  I have two teenagers who are relatively trouble free.  However, I’ve said a few times before that parenting teens is the hardest phase of parenting thus far.  Therefore when I found this article from Alpha Mom I laughed and cried when I realized she is dead on.

Then I started researching survey questions and realized that the state of Georgia, along with Fulton and DeKalb Counties already have teenage curfews that I wasn’t completely aware of.

Check this out….

Georgia Curfews that apply to all teens under the age of 18 whether driving or not:

  • In legal terms, a curfew is an official order imposed by the government that prevents certain people from being outdoors or in public spaces during designated times. In Georgia, curfews are applied to minors, people who are under the age of 18 years. Places that are prohibited during curfew hours include public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds, shopping centers or other public places, public buildings, places of amusement, eating places and vacant lots.
    • DeKalb County’s Curfew (including Dunwoody): 

Georgia Curfews that apply to teenage DRIVERS:

  • The Teen-age and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA), or Joshua’s Law, is a statewide driver licensing procedure for Georgia teens aged 15 to 18 years. They have three steps to complete: the Instructional Permit, an Intermediate (Class D) License and a Full (Class C) License. Teen drivers aged 16 to 18 who hold the Intermediate (Class D) License are subject to a range of restrictions, including the following curfew: no driving between 12 and 6 a.m., with no exceptions.

The bottom line…Georgia law is clear about public place and driving curfews for teens and parents and kids need to know these laws.   What happens if these laws are broken?

Curfew laws in the State of Georgia are applicable to minors and include both driving and non-driving clauses. Although the exact rules can vary across Georgia’s counties and municipalities, violations of these curfews are often punishable by a fine and, in some cases, jail time. Breaking curfew in TADRA’s Class D license can lead to suspension of the minor’s license, which can prevent or hinder the minor’s acquisition of a full Class C license.  Click here for more details.

So, after learning all these state/county imposed curfews you might think that a survey is irrelevant.  I disagree.  Some may want their kids home earlier than the state requires.  Others may be willing to break the law to give their kid more “freedom”.  Please weigh in and take our survey.

 

September 1st, 2015 Category: Community News