As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
GUARDIAN
A person, other than a parent, to whom legal custody of the
juvenile has been given by court order or who is acting in the place
of the parent or is responsible for the care and welfare of the juvenile.
JUVENILE
An individual who is under the age of 18 years.
PUBLIC PLACE
Any place to which the public has access, including but not
limited to a public street, road, thoroughfare, sidewalk, bridge,
alley, plaza, park, recreation or shopping area, public transportation
facility, vehicle used for public transportation, parking lot or any
other public building, structure or area.
It shall be unlawful for a juvenile to be on any public street
or in a public place between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
unless accompanied by the juvenile's parent or guardian or unless
engaged in, or traveling to or from a business or occupation which
the laws of this state authorize a juvenile to perform. It shall further
be unlawful for any parent or guardian to allow an unaccompanied juvenile
to be on any public street or in any public place during those hours.
The curfew shall not apply to the following:
A. Errands involving medical emergencies.
B. Attending school activities.
C. Attending activities sponsored by religious or community-based organizations.
D. Attendance at other cultural, educational and social events after
11:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m.
E. When the juvenile is exercising first amendment rights protected
by the United States and New Jersey Constitutions such as the free
exercise of religion, freedom of speech and the right of assembly.
(N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.52)
Violators of this chapter shall be required to perform community
service and may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000. If both a juvenile
and a juvenile's parent or guardian violate this chapter, they shall
be required to perform community service together.