Several US Cities Enforce Age Limits on Trick-or-Treating, But Rarely Implement Penalties

Age regulations on Halloween trick-or-treating, initiated as response to vandalism and tragedies, remain largely unenforced with no records of arrests or penalties.

Several U.S. cities, including Chesapeake, Virginia; Jacksonville, Illinois; and Rayne, Louisiana, have laws that limit trick-or-treating to children aged 12 or under, often with strict curfews. Non-compliance in some of these towns can be punishable by a fine of up to $250.
These regulations were developed in response to incidents including vandalism, threats and even fatalities associated with Halloween trick-or-treating. One notable incident resulted in the 1967 killing of a 14-year-old boy who stole candy from another child in Portsmouth, Virginia, which led to a city-wide ban on children older than 12 from trick-or-treating.
Despite the potential severe penalties for violating these laws, ranging from fines to possible jail sentences, enforcement is minimal. No records of arrests or penalties related to these laws are available, with police in these areas often stating they have more pressing concerns during Halloween.
Public sentiment around these laws is mixed. While some residents appreciate the efforts to maintain a safe and age-appropriate atmosphere, others perceive them as overly restrictive and an infringement on the free and festive spirit of Halloween.
After significant media attention in 2018, the city of Chesapeake raised the age limit from 12 to 14 and removed the potential jail sentence from its laws. However, similar age regulations and penalties remain in place in other cities across the U.S.