Tobacco 21 Age Restrictions Under New Jersey Law

New Jersey raised the minimum legal sales age for tobacco and vapor products to 21 effective November 2017, becoming one of the earliest Tobacco 21 states. NJSA 26:3D-55 prohibits sale, distribution, or gift of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, electronic smoking devices, and component liquids to persons under 21. Retailers must check government-issued photo ID for any purchaser appearing under 30 and post required signage. Enforcement is handled by the Department of Health, local boards of health, and licensed inspectors. Compliance checks include underage decoy operations.

Sales to underage purchasers carry escalating civil penalties: $250 for first offense, $500 for second, and $1,000 for subsequent violations within a three-year period.