Toms River's Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles food trucks & mobile vendors a little differently. In Toms River, New Jersey, there are 3 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.

Sidewalk & Mobile Vending

Peddlers, hawkers, itinerant vendors and canvassers must get a Township license, pass a criminal background check, and pay an $800 fee before selling door-to-door or on Toms River streets, per Code § 391-29.

Key details: License fee: $800. Background check: Required, NJ State Police. Apply: 30 days before, to Clerk. Max penalty: $500 fine / 90 days jail.

Any violation of Article III carries a fine up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail, with each continuing day a separate offense (§ 391-42); licenses can also be suspended or revoked.

This is one of the stricter rules in Toms River's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Vending Zones

Toms River bans street food vending on its main roads and within 1,000 feet of stores selling similar goods, but licensed food trucks may operate on Washington Street between Route 166 and Hooper Avenue on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a special events permit.

Key details: Allowed street: Washington St (Rt 166-Hooper Ave). Allowed day/time: Sundays, 9am-9pm. Extra permit: Special events permit, § 348-5.20E. General vending ban: Within 1,000 ft of similar stores.

Vending outside the Washington Street Sunday window, or without the § 348-5.20E special events permit, is a general Article III violation: up to $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail (§ 391-42).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Toms River actively enforces its vending zones requirements.

Food Truck Permits

Toms River Township licenses mobile food units as peddlers, charging $800 for the first truck and $100 for each additional one, on top of a criminal background check and Board of Health food handler's permit.

Key details: First truck fee: $800. Each added truck: $100. Background check: Required by Chief of Police. Also required: Board of Health food handler's license.

Operating without the required license and background clearance violates Chapter 391's licensing requirements, subjecting the operator to Municipal Court penalties.

This is one of the stricter rules in Toms River's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Toms River is tougher than many cities when it comes to food trucks & mobile vendors. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Toms River, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Toms River can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.