Rockland County, NY Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- No loitering after posted closing hour
- Applies to
- Vehicles and pedestrians alike
- Exception
- General or special Commission permission
- Fine range
- $100-$500 or up to 30 days jail
- Enforcement
- Park Rangers issue appearance tickets
Summary
Rockland County bars loitering or remaining in any county park or park area, on foot or in a vehicle, after the posted closing hour without permission. The rule sits among a longer list of general park conduct bans, from loud language to obstructing County employees.
No person shall: ... Loiter or remain within a park or any area thereof, in a vehicle or otherwise, after the posted closing hour or time of day for the closing of such park or park area without general or special permission.
Full Breakdown
Rockland County Code § 315-18, General conduct regulations, lists conduct barred throughout every park under the Rockland County Park Commission's jurisdiction. Subsection J bars a person from loitering or remaining within a park or any area of it, whether in a vehicle or otherwise, after the posted closing hour or time of day for closing that park or park area, without general or special permission. The same section also bars using loud, boisterous, indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting language; interfering with, hindering, obstructing or disobeying a County employee performing his duty; being indecently dressed or exposed; throwing stones or missiles or otherwise endangering the health, life, limb or property of others; conduct suggestive of immoral acts; entering or leaving the park anywhere but an established entrance or exit; setting off firecrackers or fireworks; throwing balls except in designated areas; and fighting.
Section 315-19 separately requires parents, guardians or custodians to keep minors from doing any of these prohibited acts, and to keep children under 10 under direct supervision at all times in the park. Because this closing-hour rule sits in the parks chapter, it governs county park property specifically; § 315-30 sets the general hours as sunrise to sunset, so loitering past the posted closing time is what triggers this particular offense.
Violations & Fines
Loitering in a Rockland County park after its posted closing hour, like any other violation of § 315-18's conduct list, is punishable under § 315-31 by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500, up to 30 days' imprisonment, or both. The Rockland County Parks Manager and Park Rangers are authorized to issue appearance tickets directly under Article 150 of the Criminal Procedure Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in a Rockland County park after it closes?
What is the penalty for loitering in a Rockland County park after hours?
Are Rockland County park hours the same everywhere?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockland County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Rockland County to another location·View the New York public conduct overview
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