Monroe Township (Gloucester County), NJ Curfew Laws: Juvenile Curfew (2026)

Article II of Chapter 118 of the Monroe Township Code, added 12-10-2025 by Ord. No. O:32-2025, replaced the former juvenile curfew. Section 118-4 sets the rule: a minor under 18 years of age cannot be in or upon any public place within the Township between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or engaged in lawful employment or a supervised school, religious, or community activity. On October 30 and October 31 of each year, the curfew begins at 8:00 p.m. Exceptions cover emergencies, medical necessity, and direct travel to or from authorized employment or activities.

Public place is defined in Section 118-2 to mean any place to which the public has access, including a public street, road, thoroughfare, sidewalk, bridge, plaza, park, recreation or shopping area, public transportation facility, vehicle used for public transportation, parking lot, or other public building, structure, or area. A parent is any natural parent or adult over the age of 21 who is responsible for the care, custody, and control of a minor child, and a legal guardian is a person with court-ordered custody or who acts in the place of the parent.

The article also reaches adults. Section 118-5 makes it unlawful for a parent, legal guardian, or other person with care or custody of a minor to encourage, contribute to, or by failure to exercise supervision cause or allow a minor to violate the article. Failure to know a minor's whereabouts or associations during curfew hours is prima facie evidence of a violation. Under Section 118-6, apprehension of a child under 18 on any public street, highway, alley or park during curfew hours is prima facie evidence of a violation by the parent, legal guardian or custodian.

When a minor is brought before the Judge of the Division of the Gloucester County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and found guilty of an offense within the article, the parent or guardian can be summoned before a Judge of the Municipal Court of the Township of Monroe and ordered to provide supervision. A second failure puts the parent or guardian under the penalties provided in the article.

Chapter 118 also sets Halloween solicitation hours in Section 118-1: it is unlawful to solicit gifts or treats from residents or businesses before 3:00 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m. on Halloween.