NORFOLK, Va. — A night of ghouls, goblins, and hundreds of other alter-egos in pursuit of candy is almost here! While Halloween can be fun for all ages, your locality might have restrictions on who’s actually allowed to go door-to-door requesting candy. Here’s a look at the law across Hampton Roads localities:
Chesapeake
Trick-or-treaters under age 14 in Chesapeake are allowed to be out until 8 p.m. The age limit was raised in 2019, when the city changed its widely criticized but unenforced policy of possible jail time if police caught teenagers trick-or-treating on Halloween.
Hampton
In Hampton, city code says anyone 12 and under can trick-or-treat until 8 p.m.
James City County
Trick-or-treating hours in James City County are from 6 to 8 p.m. for children 12 and under.
Newport News
Norfolk
Norfolk trick-or-treaters who are 12 and under can trick-or-treat until 8 p.m.
Poquoson
Trick-or-treating in Poquoson will be observed from 6 to 8 p.m.
Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, those 12 and under have until 8 p.m. to lawfully trick-or-treat.
Smithfield
In Smithfield, trick-or-treating is limited to kids 12 and under, and they cannot be out past 8:30 p.m. for trick-or-treating activities.
Suffolk
Suffolk does not designate a trick-or-treating start time, but it must end by 8 p.m. You must be age 12 or under.
Virginia Beach
Trick-or-treating in Virginia Beach is recognized until 8 p.m. for those 12 and under.
Trick-or-Treating Tips
The sun sets around 6:30 p.m., so it will likely be dark when your family sets out.
Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for child pedestrians, so make sure you and your child have on something bright and reflective. You can always add reflective tape to their trick-or-treat bags…