Monroe Township (Gloucester County), NJ Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Park smoking
- Prohibited at all times, including trails and parking areas
- Distance from Township building entrances
- 25 feet, unless posted otherwise
- Polling places
- Within 100 feet of public entrances during elections
- Fine per offense
- $100 to $1,000
- Community service
- Not to exceed 30 days
- Sign tampering
- Disorderly persons offense, maximum fine $200 plus replacement cost
- Complaints
- Filed in the Municipal Court of the Township of Monroe
Summary
In Monroe Township, Gloucester County, smoking, including vaping, is prohibited at all times in Township parks and recreation areas and within 25 feet of the entrances and exits of Township buildings. A conviction carries a fine of $100 to $1,000 per offense and/or community service not to exceed 30 days.
Except where otherwise provided herein, smoking shall be prohibited at all times on or within public buildings, structures or property where the public is present, invited, or gathers, within the Township of Monroe, including but not limited to the following places: ... (2) Parks and recreation areas, including trails, roadways and parking areas located within a park, established specifically for the purposes of active or passive recreation. (3) Within 25 feet of any entrance or exit areas of any Township-owned, -leased or -operated buildings where smoke may enter the air people breathe through such entrances, exits, windows or ventilation systems, unless posted otherwise. ... Any person who smokes in an area in which smoking is prohibited and is convicted of violating any provision of this article shall be subject to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 for each offense and/or community service not to exceed 30 days.
Full Breakdown
Article IV of Chapter 65 of the Monroe Township Code (Gloucester County), titled Smoke-Free Workplace Policy and Smoke-Free Public Buildings and Property, was amended 5-22-2017 by Ord. No. O:23-2017. Section 65-62(A) prohibits smoking at all times on or within public buildings, structures or property where the public is present, invited, or gathers. The listed places include common areas in all Township public buildings, parks and recreation areas, and any vehicles owned or leased by the Township. They also include public areas of libraries and museums funded or partially funded by government agencies, and polling places within 100 feet of the public entrances while elections are being conducted.
The park rule in § 65-62(A)(2) covers trails, roadways and parking areas located within a park established for active or passive recreation. Section 65-61 defines a park as athletic fields, playgrounds and other active and passive recreation areas owned, leased or operated by the Township of Monroe to which the general public is invited.
The definition of smoking in § 65-61 is wide. It covers the inhaling, exhaling, burning or possession of any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or similar device, any combustible or inhalable tobacco product, any matter or substance that contains tobacco or any other material that can be smoked, and the inhaling or exhaling of smoke or vapor products from an electronic smoking device.
The Township Council can designate outdoor smoking areas by resolution under § 65-62(B). Those areas must bear signs designating them as smoking areas and sit at least 25 feet from any public entrance or exit. Section 65-62.2 adds that penalties cannot be assessed for violating a regulation the Council adopts by resolution unless that regulation was adopted by ordinance before the violation. Section 65-62.1 requires "Smoking" or "No Smoking" signs, or the international No Smoking symbol, on every public property where smoking is controlled.
The article reaches public buildings and property. Section 65-63.2 adds that nothing in it allows smoking where other laws restrict or prohibit it.
Violations & Fines
Under § 65-63.1(A), a person convicted of smoking where prohibited faces a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 for each offense and/or community service not to exceed 30 days, and each offense is a separate and distinct offense. Defacing, tampering with or removing required signs is a disorderly persons offense with a maximum fine of $200 plus the cost of replacing the sign. A juvenile adjudicated to have violated the article faces the same penalties, fines or discipline as an adult. A police officer, health officer or designee, Township employee or other person designated by the Township Council enforces the article under § 65-63, and complaints are filed in the Municipal Court of the Township of Monroe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke or vape in a Monroe Township park?
How far from a Township building do I need to be to smoke?
What is the fine for smoking where it is banned in Monroe Township?
Who enforces the smoking ban and where is a complaint filed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe Township (Gloucester County)
Compare Monroe Township (Gloucester County) 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.