Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

Which is a common exception to curfew laws?

1. Being at a friend’s house

2. Running an errand for a parent

3. Going to the movies

4. Walking to a park

The correct answer is: Running an errand for a parent

Curfew laws are designed to keep minors safe by regulating their activities during late hours, and they often come with exceptions to accommodate legitimate circumstances. One common exception is running an errand for a parent. This acknowledges that there are situations in which minors may have responsibilities or tasks that require them to be out later than curfew. The reasoning behind allowing minors to run errands is based on the understanding that parents sometimes need their children to assist with necessary tasks, such as picking up groceries or completing other important duties. This exception serves both the needs of the parent and reinforces the idea that minors are capable of contributing to household responsibilities. In consideration of this context, the other options do not typically represent legitimate exceptions to curfew laws. Being at a friend’s house likely does not meet the criteria for a necessary activity, while going to the movies or walking to a park are generally considered leisure activities rather than essential tasks. Thus, the exception for running errands aligns with the practical needs of families while maintaining the purpose of curfews to ensure the safety of minors.