Howell, NJ Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Section 302-4(B) of the Howell Township Code prohibits smoking in all public parks and recreation facilities, athletic fields, playgrounds, pool facilities and other recreational facilities owned and operated by the Township upon which the public is invited or permitted and where people gather for recreation and leisure. The ban runs past the fence line: it names all areas adjacent to those facilities, including parking areas, driveways, drive aisles and walkways. The § 302-2 definition of TOWNSHIP FACILITIES repeats the same adjacent-area language, so a smoker standing in a park lot is inside the ban.

Smoking is defined broadly. Under § 302-2 it covers lighted or heated cigars, cigarettes and pipes, hookah, marijuana and cannabis, and the use of an electronic smoking device, so vaping in a Township park is covered the same way as a cigarette.

The chapter extends outdoors in other directions. Subsection A bans smoking on all municipally owned property and at municipal buildings, indoors and outdoors. Subsection C covers public schools and their recreation facilities, athletic fields and playgrounds. Subsection D bans smoking in any vehicle registered, owned and operated by the Township. Section 302-3 separately prohibits smoking on, in, around or within the property line of any property in the Township used for military purposes, except fireproof structures a commanding officer designates for smoking.

The Township must post "no smoking" signs or the international symbol at the entrance to each facility, in English and Spanish, stating that violators are subject to a fine. The chapter names no restaurant or bar patios; its outdoor reach is Township property, parks, school grounds and military property.