Toms River, NJ Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum fine
- $500
- Maximum jail
- 90 days
- Enforced by
- Township police
- Governing law
- Code §§ 388-6 to 388-9
Summary
Toms River Township prohibits loitering that breaches the peace, disturbs others, or blocks pedestrians and vehicles in any public place. Police can order a person to leave, and refusal to comply is itself a violation under Township Code Article III.
No person shall loiter in a public place in such manner as to:
A. Create or cause to be created a danger of breach of the peace.
B. Create or cause to be created any disturbance or annoyance to the comfort and repose of any person.
C. Obstruct the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles.
D. Obstruct, molest or interfere with any person lawfully in any public place as defined in § 388-6. This subsection shall include the making of unsolicited remarks of an offensive, disgusting or insulting nature or which are calculated to annoy or disturb the person to whom, or in whose hearing, they are made.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954830; v33 updated 2026-04-22; through 04-22-2026).
Full Breakdown
Township Code § 388-7 bars loitering in a public place in a manner that risks a breach of the peace, disturbs another's comfort and repose, obstructs pedestrian or vehicle passage, or involves obstructing, molesting or interfering with anyone lawfully present, including unsolicited offensive remarks. "Loitering" is defined in § 388-6 as remaining idle, loafing, walking about aimlessly, drinking in public, or simply "hanging around." Under § 388-8, an officer who reasonably judges a person's presence is causing or likely to cause these conditions may order that person to leave; refusing is a separate violation.
Violations & Fines
Violating the article: fine not exceeding $500 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment (§ 388-9); refusing a police order to leave is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can police make me leave a public place for loitering in Toms River?
What counts as loitering in Toms River Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Toms River
Compare Toms River to another location·View the New Jersey public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Loitering Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle loitering rules.