When does Raleigh’s curfew start and who can go out? We answer your questions.
After two straight nights of peaceful protests in Raleigh turning destructive, the city enacted a curfew Monday in hopes of curtailing more vandalism and clashes with police.
(UPDATE: The city of Raleigh lifted the curfew effective June 8.)
Over the weekend of May 30-31, widespread destruction of businesses, government buildings and other property occurred in Raleigh after peaceful protests over the killing of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis escalated. Each night, confrontations between police and protesters began early in the evening and continued until well after midnight.
Local police officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds downtown both nights, and on Sunday night, vandalism was reported at Triangle Town Center in Raleigh and at North Hills shopping center.
Here’s what we know about Raleigh’s curfew. You can read the curfew declaration and the city’s state of emergency order at raleighnc.gov. The city also has a hotline that you can call with questions about the curfew: 919-996-2200.
When time does the curfew start and end?
When Raleigh’s curfew started on Monday, June 1, the start time was 8 p.m. By the fourth night (Thursday, June 4), the start time moved to 10 p.m. It lasts until 5 a.m. in the morning. On Friday, the curfew was extended at least through Sunday, June 7. (UPDATE: The city of Raleigh lifted the curfew effective June 8.)
Will there be more curfews this week?
The curfew order is in effect until Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin declares it’s over. That means there is essentially a curfew order in effect for each night until the mayor calls it off. On Friday, June 5, the city announced the curfew would remain in effect until at least Sunday, June 7. (UPDATE: The city of Raleigh lifted the curfew effective June 8.)
Is the curfew just for downtown or for the whole city?
The curfew is for the entire city of Raleigh. Destruction Saturday night was limited to downtown, but on Sunday, some of the vandalism moved to North Hills shopping center in midtown Raleigh, and Triangle Town Center in north Raleigh.
Who can go out during the curfew?
The people exempt from the curfew are public safety employees (police, firefighters, etc.), hospital workers, on-duty military personnel, public utilities and public transit employees and members of the media.
The city also includes people who work at veterinary hospitals in that group, and: “Package delivery companies which package goods and deliver them to homes, and businesses operating lawfully under the curfew, including but not limited to Amazon, FedEx and UPS and their employees while on duty.”
If you are driving to or from work during the curfew period and are stopped by police, you may be asked to verify where you have been or where you are going.
Can I drive in my car after 8 p.m.?
Travel on public roads is restricted during the curfew unless you are in search of medical assistance or another service to sustain the well-being of yourself or a family member. See above for exceptions involving traveling to and from work.
What happens if someone violates the curfew?
A violation of the curfew is a class two misdemeanor, which can carry a maximum of 60 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
How will the curfew be enforced?
Raleigh Police Department says the curfew will be strictly enforced for the first 24 hours and depending on behaviors, enforcement may be relaxed.
Does this mean businesses like grocery stores and restaurants will close at 8 p.m.?
Yes, private businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants will have to be closed during the curfew. Some may close earlier than 8 so that patrons and workers can be home by 8, in compliance with the curfew.
Can I take my dog out for a walk or to pee after 8 p.m.?
Taking your dog out after 8 p.m. is “highly discouraged,” according to a city spokesperson.
What about homeless people? Will they be required to shelter inside somewhere?
Raleigh Police Department says it will encourage homeless individuals to go to a shelter. If no shelter is available, the individual will be encouraged to stay away from any conflict or riot areas and to seek the best shelter available.
After Saturday’s events, why didn’t the city have a curfew for Sunday?
Baldwin said there was no curfew on Sunday because, “I was hoping for the best tonight and didn’t want to automatically jump to that response.”
Do other cities have curfews?
The city of Fayetteville had a curfew in effect on Sunday night. The city of Greensboro has ordered a curfew there from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., starting tonight and in effect until rescinded. We’ll update here if more cities announce curfews for this week.
This Q&A will be updated online as more information becomes available.
This story was originally published June 1, 2020 at 11:30 AM.
