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What New Yorkers Need To Know About The City's Historic Curfew
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Jun 4, 2020
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By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Jun 4, 2020
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Like other cities around the country where protests over police violence and racial injustice are happening nightly, New York City has enacted a curfew in response to the widespread looting and vandalism that have marred otherwise peaceful demonstrations.
Most New Yorkers probably cannot remember when the city last implemented a curfew. Despite its long history of political protest, New York City has not had a curfew in more than half a century. The last known time was in 1943, when Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia issued an emergency curfew in response to an uprising in Harlem sparked by a white police officer shooting a black soldier. Five people were killed during the protests.
But it LaGuardia's order was limited to Harlem and not a citywide curfew. Gothamist reached out to several historians, including the New-York Historical Society, about the last time a citywide curfew was in effect but they said they would need to do further research.
Here is what city residents need to know about the latest curfew.
What time is the curfew and how long will it last?
The curfew is in effect between 8 p.m. through 5 a.m. every day. It is scheduled to be lifted on Monday, June 8th, which is when NYC begins the Phase 1 reopening of businesses that were closed in response to COVID-19.
What are the rules? To whom does it apply?
According to Mayor Bill de Blasio's executive order, during the curfew, "no persons or vehicles may be in public."
However, they are some exceptions.
As you would expect the curfew does not apply to law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, emergency medical technicians
But essential workers, including delivery workers, the homeless, faith leaders, and people seeking medical treatment or medical supplies are also exempted.
What about protesters? Are they exempt from the curfew?
No. Protesters are not exempt.
How is transportation affected? Can I still get around the city after 8 p.m?
The short answer is no. For-hire car services, including Uber and Lyft, have been prohibited from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Citi Bike and Revel have also been shutting down starting at 8 p.m., as well the NYC Ferry's Midtown shuttle bus. Yellow cabs and green cabs can pick up essential workers or those needing medical treatment.
The NYPD has also been banning nonessential vehicle traffic south of 96th street in Manhattan.
Can I get takeout or delivery? Walk my dog?
According to additional guidance that the city issued on Tuesday, restaurants and bars can still make food deliveries during the curfew. Dog owners will be permitted to walk their dogs but "only in the immediate vicinity" of their residences. "Dogs should be exercised outside of curfew hours," the guidance states.
Can I get arrested for violating the curfew?
Yes. Under the law, police officers can issue people an order to “disperse,” or go home. The officer is supposed to give "a reasonable opportunity to comply," according to the Legal Aid Society. However, a failure to comply can result in a Class B misdemeanor.
Legal Aid is advising those arrested to ask for a lawyer immediately. For those without a lawyer, they suggest calling Good Call, an organization that provide free legal advice. They advise protesters to write the number on their arms: 833-3-GOODCALL (833-346-6322). Those who witness an arrest can also call Good Call.
Protesters should also know that they do not have to answer questions while detained since they can be used against you. "When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers. Get contact information for witnesses," Legal Aid advises.
Do essential workers need to have IDs showing where they work?
The city says there are no official ID requirements and that essential workers only need to identify themselves as such. During curfew hours, they are only permitted to travel from their homes to work and then back home, but they are allowed to stop and buy medical prescriptions or food. Nevertheless, some essential workers, including hospital workers, say NYPD officers have been attacking them after 8 p.m.
Tagged
curfew
George Floyd
2020 protests
Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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