Toms river reinstates summer teen curfew for barrier island areas

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Toms River Township has reinstated its seasonal juvenile curfew for the Barrier Island areas, effective Friday, as part of an emergency declaration aimed at preventing disorderly behavior during the summer months.

The curfew, in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily through September 2, applies to all individuals 17 and under who are unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian. It covers public and private areas in North Beach and Ortley Beach sections of the township.

Township officials said the measure is intended to address recurring issues involving large groups of juveniles gathering at night and engaging in vandalism, criminal mischief, and so-called “pop-up” parties organized on social media platforms.

“This temporary curfew was demonstrably effective” during previous summers from 2020 to 2024, the declaration stated, and has been reinstated “as a precautionary measure” for 2025.

Curfew includes exceptions and warnings

Exceptions are made for minors accompanied by adults, traveling to or from work, attending organized adult-supervised events, or exercising First Amendment rights. The curfew also exempts those facing emergencies or involved in interstate travel.

Police will issue at least two curbside warnings before any further action is taken. Repeated noncompliance could result in a stationhouse adjustment, with parents or guardians contacted to resolve the situation.

Adults, including business operators, may face penalties under state law if they knowingly allow juveniles to remain in restricted areas during curfew hours.

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