Under the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act amendment effective 2018 (NJ §26:3D-58), smoking is barred in Newark public parks, recreation areas, and beaches, and Newark enforces additional rules in transit shelters.
The 2018 amendment to New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act (NJ §26:3D-58) made it unlawful to smoke combustible tobacco or vape in any public park, beach, or recreation area in the state, with limited 15 percent designated areas allowed. Newark Branch Brook, Weequahic, and Riverbank parks fall under this rule, posted by the Department of Recreation. Newark Title 16 also restricts smoking in bus shelters, near building entrances, and at the Penn Station plaza. Indoor workplace smoking remains banned by the original 2006 state act.
First offense fines start at $250 under the state act, with higher penalties for repeat violations; municipal officers and park rangers may issue summonses.
See how Newark's outdoor smoking restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.