Newark's Curfew Laws: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles curfew laws a little differently. In Newark, New Jersey, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Park Curfew

Newark closes its parks to the public before daybreak and after 9:00 p.m. under Section 20:20-1l, with the Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services setting and posting the exact opening hours, and an exception preserving the public's right to walk through park pathways for travel.

Key details: Curfew: before daybreak, after 9:00 p.m.. Chapter: 20:20, Parks and Recreational Facilities. Exception: through-travel on pathways allowed. Hours set by: Dept. of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, Senior Services. Max penalty: $1,000 fine / 90 days.

A violation of the 9:00 p.m. park curfew is punished under the Title XX general penalty, Section 20:1-1: a fine not exceeding $1,000, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, a period of community service not exceeding 90 days, or a combination the Municipal Court sets, with each day a person remains in violation counted as a separate offense.

Juvenile Curfew

Newark bars anyone under 18 from being out in public, or more than 100 yards from home, between 11:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or on a genuine emergency errand. Parents who knowingly allow a violation face their own fine.

Key details: Curfew hours: 11:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.. Distance limit from home: Not more than 100 yards. First offense: Written warning, released to parent. Parent/guardian fine: $100 to $1,000. Minor's penalty: Up to 90 days community service.

A minor found in violation faces up to 90 days of community service under § 20:2-4.6. A parent, guardian or other adult with custody who is found responsible faces a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000, and may also be ordered to perform up to 90 days of community service.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Newark actively enforces its juvenile curfew requirements.

The Bottom Line

Newark's curfew laws rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Newark is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Newark's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.