Paterson's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Paterson, New Jersey, there are 4 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.
Public Urination
Urinating on any Paterson street, sidewalk, or public place carries a $50 fine plus $30 in court costs, payable directly to the Violations Bureau without a court appearance.
Key details: Fine: $50 per violation. Court costs: $30 under N.J. Court Rule 7:11-4. Payment: Payable at Violations Bureau, no court trip. Covered locations: Any street, sidewalk, or public place. Code section: § 195-5.
A $50 fine plus $30 in court costs under N.J. Court Rule 7:11-4; payable at the Violations Bureau without a court appearance, per § 195-5.
Loitering Rules
Paterson bans criminal gang loitering in police-designated public areas, letting officers order suspected gang members to disperse or face arrest, with penalties up to $1,250 and 90 days in jail.
Key details: Scope: Police Director-designated areas only. Triggers arrest: Failure to disperse or returning within 3 hours. Max penalty: $1,250 fine, 90 days jail. Repeat offense: Additional $1,250 fine within one year.
Violating a dispersal order carries a fine up to $1,250, up to 90 days in county jail or 90 days of community service under § 315-4, plus an added fine of up to $1,250 for a repeat violation within a year.
This is one of the stricter rules in Paterson's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions
Paterson prohibits smoking anywhere inside city parks, playgrounds and ball fields, including adjacent lots posted with no-smoking signs.
Key details: Where banned: parks, playgrounds, ball fields. 1st offense fine: $50 to $100. 3rd+ offense fine: $200 to $500. Enforcement: Police, Fire, Health, DPW.
A court summons and a fine: $50-$100 for a first offense, $100-$200 for a second, and $200-$500 for a third or later violation, at the court's discretion.
This is one of the stricter rules in Paterson's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Public Alcohol Use
Paterson bans consuming alcohol on any public street, sidewalk, park, parking lot or other public property citywide, at any hour, with only a limited special-permit exception.
Key details: Public alcohol: banned citywide. Covers: streets, sidewalks, parks, lots. Permit: available under state law. Fine range: $100-$2,000. Article rewritten: January 18, 2022.
A first violation risks a fine of $100 to $2,000, plus up to 90 days of community service or jail; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Compared to other cities, Paterson takes a harder line on public alcohol use. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Paterson is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Paterson, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Paterson'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.