Stafford Township, NJ Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Where it applies
- Any bridge or viaduct in Stafford Township
- Banned conduct
- Standing, stopping, loitering or remaining other than for orderly passage
- Named activities
- Fishing, crabbing, diving and swimming
- Maximum fine
- Not to exceed $1,000 under § 66-3
- Other penalties
- Up to 90 days in jail or community service
- Related rule
- § 153-6 bars lodging in vehicles on public property
Summary
Stafford Township bans standing, stopping, loitering or remaining on a bridge or viaduct for fishing, crabbing, diving or swimming, or for any purpose other than orderly passage. Violators face a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail or up to 90 days of community service.
§ 66-2. Prohibition. No person shall stand, stop, loiter or otherwise remain on a bridge or viaduct for the purpose of fishing, crabbing, diving or swimming or for a purpose other than the reasonable and orderly passage across said bridge or viaduct so as to avoid safety hazards and obstructions to pedestrians and vehicles. § 66-3. Violations and penalties. Any person violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days or by community service of not more than 90 days or any combination of fine, imprisonment and community service, as determined in the discretion of the Municipal Court Judge.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 66 of the Stafford Township Code is the Township's bridge and viaduct rule. Section 66-1 states its purpose under N.J.S.A. 40:48-2: to protect the people of the Township and preserve their safety and welfare by regulating and promoting safe use of bridges and viaducts so pedestrian and vehicular traffic can pass safely. Section 66-2 then prohibits any person from standing, stopping, loitering or otherwise remaining on a bridge or viaduct for the purpose of fishing, crabbing, diving or swimming, or for any purpose other than the reasonable and orderly passage across it, so as to avoid safety hazards and obstructions to pedestrians and vehicles. The four named activities matter in a bayside township such as Stafford, but the text is wider than them: any reason for lingering other than crossing is covered. Section 66-3 does not name an enforcing officer, and sets penalties handled by the Municipal Court Judge.
Two related obstruction rules sit in Chapter 153, Peace and Good Order. Section 153-6 provides that no person over the age of 18 years shall, within the limits of the Township, lodge in any automobile, truck, camping or recreational vehicle or similar vehicle in any public street, parking lot or other public property. Section 153-7 provides that no person shall park any motor vehicle or trailer so that it obstructs any public sidewalk in Stafford Township, a rule amended on May 12, 2020 by Ord. No. 2020-15. Chapter 153 has its own penalty section, § 153-11, with a fine of not more than $1,000, the same 90-day ceilings and the same separate-offense-per-day rule.
Violations & Fines
Section 66-3 punishes any violation of Chapter 66 on conviction by a fine not to exceed $1,000, imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days or community service of not more than 90 days, or any combination, as determined in the discretion of the Municipal Court Judge. The continuation of a violation for each successive day is a separate offense, and anyone allowing or permitting the continuation can be punished for each separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish from a bridge in Stafford Township?
What is the penalty for loitering on a bridge?
Can I sleep in my camper or car on a Stafford Township street?
Is it legal to park across a sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stafford Township
Compare Stafford Township to another location·View the New Jersey public conduct overview
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Loitering Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle loitering rules.