Protecting Our Teens

The Washington Police Department recognizes that parents face special challenges when their children become teenagers.

Rules For Teen Parties:

• Set guidelines beforehand.
• Encourage small parties, with invited guests only.
• An adult should be present throughout the party.
• Alcohol should not be served or allowed. It is unlawful for any person to give alcohol to a person under 21 years of age.
• Anyone who leaves the party should not be allowed to return.
• Notify your neighbors beforehand.
• Contact parents of the party-giver.
• Know how your teen will get to and from the party.
• Emphasize the time your teen will be home.
• Be awake when your teen arrives home.

Remember that Curfew for persons under the age of 17 is 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Curfew/State Teen Driving Curfew

Persons under the age of 17 years must be home by 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and by 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday. The City of Washington's curfew ordinance is the same as that of the State of Illinois. Please note that there is a new State curfew for teen drivers aged 16 & 17, that became effective January 1, 2008. A nighttime driving restriction is in place Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and Friday & Saturday, 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. For more information on the State Driving Curfew, please visit the Illinois Secretary of State website.