Arlington County, VA Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: No for the general public. Under Arlington Circuit & General District Court Joint Order on Portable Electronic Devices, general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt. Yes. Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington) provides phone lockers (free of charge): Small coin/PIN lockers inside the main security vestibule before magnetometers. Arrive early as lockers fill up during the 8:30 AM morning rush. Last checked
How sure is this? This page applies the statewide Virginia court rule to Arlington County. We have not yet confirmed it building by building, and local judges or the Sheriff can set stricter rules. Before you go, call (703) 228-7010 or check the official court site. Know the current rule? Tell us.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington)
- Address
- 1425 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA 22201
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (703) 228-7010
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~836 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.vacourts.gov/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Arlington County Juror Parking Facility (Arlington Judicial Garage)
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated Arlington County Juror Garage in downtown Arlington. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Arlington local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Arlington County)
Authority: Arlington Circuit & General District Court Joint Order on Portable Electronic Devices · Verification: Statewide court rule baseline (Virginia); building-level check pending
| Rule / Amenity | Arlington County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Banned for public · Jurors & attorneys exempt | “Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington) Circuit Court Security Order: "Cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, and recording devices are prohibited inside the courthouse for the general public. Attorneys, court employees, and summoned jurors (where specified) are exempt."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones banned · Lockers at door (Free) | “Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington) Circuit Court Security Order: "Cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, and recording devices are prohibited inside the courthouse for the general public. Attorneys, court employees, and summoned jurors (where specified) are exempt."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | Lockers available (Free) | “Security Checkpoint Notice (Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington)): "Small personal electronics lockers are available in the main lobby (free of charge); capacity is limited and Court Security assumes no liability."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | Safe for Uber/bus (lobby lockers: Free) | “Security Checkpoint Notice (Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington)): "Small personal electronics lockers are available in the main lobby (free of charge); capacity is limited and Court Security assumes no liability."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Arlington County Juror Parking Facility (Arlington Judicial Garage) | “Jury Summons Instructions (Arlington County): "Jurors receive free validated parking at Arlington County Juror Parking Facility (Arlington Judicial Garage). Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington) Circuit Court Security Order: "Cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, and recording devices are prohibited inside the courthouse for the general public. Attorneys, court employees, and summoned jurors (where specified) are exempt."” |
| Security line wait times | ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Arlington County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches BANNED at checkpoint | “Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington) Circuit Court Security Order: "Cell phones, smartwatches, cameras, and recording devices are prohibited inside the courthouse for the general public. Attorneys, court employees, and summoned jurors (where specified) are exempt."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Arlington County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington) Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 1425 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, VA 22201 |
Banned for Public | Free lockers at security | Validated free (Arlington County Juror Parking Facility (Arlington Judicial Garage)) |
What to Know Before You Go to Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Arlington County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
Litigants, defendants, and spectators are prohibited from bringing cell phones inside. Use the lobby lockers (free) before the metal detector. If you need text messages, photos, or insurance PDFs as courtroom evidence, print physical copies before arriving.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~10 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Arlington County, VA
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Arlington County, VA, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to Arlington County Courthouse in Arlington, VA?
No for the general public. Under Arlington Circuit & General District Court Joint Order on Portable Electronic Devices, general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt.
Does Arlington County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
Yes. Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington) provides phone lockers (free of charge): Small coin/PIN lockers inside the main security vestibule before magnetometers. Arrive early as lockers fill up during the 8:30 AM morning rush.
Where do I park for jury duty at Arlington County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Arlington County Juror Parking Facility (Arlington Judicial Garage). Park in the designated Arlington County Juror Garage in downtown Arlington. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Arlington County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Arlington County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 10-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Arlington County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (703) 228-7010 or consult a local Arlington County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
Before You Go
- Virginia jury duty pay & laws
- What to bring to jury duty
- What to bring to traffic court
- Prohibited items at security
- Postpone jury duty / check reporting status
- Jury duty scam calls
Other County Courthouses in Virginia
- Fairfax County (Fairfax)
- Prince William County (Manassas)
- Virginia Beach County (Virginia Beach)
- Loudoun County (Leesburg)
- Chesterfield County (Chesterfield)
- Henrico County (Henrico)
- Chesapeake County (Chesapeake)
- Norfolk County (Norfolk)
- Richmond City (Richmond)
- Stafford County (Stafford)
- Spotsylvania County (Spotsylvania)
- All 12 Virginia counties →
Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Arlington County Courthouse (Arlington)? Submit a verified update.