Traditionally associated with war, civil disturbance and disaster, curfews have kept Americans in their houses during natural disasters and riots. In the 1990s, cities also used them to control teenage violence and victimization. Chicago, IL enacted a 10:30 weekday curfew for those under sixteen in 1955; most cities over 100,000 subsequently have added restrictions, including daytime curfews. Anchorage, Alaska, arrested on average 100 teens per month for violations of a 1996 rule requiring those under eighteen to be home by 23:00 unless permitted by parents or required by religion or work.

Teenagers, however, have successfully sued these ordinances as violations of 1st Amendment rights.