07/28/2026
We just completed the second reading on a new Township ordinance that strengthens our ability to hold parents and guardians responsible when minors are involved in unsafe or unlawful behavior in public.
This ordinance (formerly the old Curfew chapter) is now called “Minors and Parental Responsibility.” It gives us clearer tools to address situations involving unsupervised minors, late-night activity, vandalism, and other public safety issues.
Combined with the new requirements that these e-bikes must be registered and insured, we finally have stronger measures in place to help protect both the kids and innocent residents who can get caught in the middle.
I have posted a short summary of the ordinance below so everyone can see what it covers.
Please share this so more parents are aware. And as always, if you see something unsafe happening, call the police right away.
Summary of Township of Berlin Ordinance 2026-9
(“Minors and Parental Responsibility” – formerly the Curfew chapter)
This ordinance replaces the old curfew rules with a broader chapter focused on minors under 18 and the responsibility of parents/guardians. Its goal is to reduce juvenile delinquency, vandalism, and risks to young people by holding parents and guardians accountable for supervising their children.
Key Points for Residents
1. What it covers
It defines many activities by minors as offenses against public peace, safety, and morals. These include (but are not limited to):
• Crimes or ordinance violations
• Truancy, loitering in groups, roaming the streets at night
• Graffiti, property damage, assaults
• Possession/use of alcohol or drugs
• Being out without proper supervision
• Curfew violations (see below)
2. Curfew rules (still in effect)
Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.52), it remains unlawful for anyone under 18 to be in a public place between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless:
• Accompanied by a parent or guardian, or
• Going to/from work that state law allows, or
• Handling a medical emergency, attending school extracurriculars, or participating in religious/community cultural, educational, or social events.
There is also a daytime rule: minors should not be in public places during school hours unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or carrying written permission from school.
3. Parental / Guardian Responsibility
Parents, legal guardians, or any adult with care/custody of a minor can be held responsible if they:
• Encourage, allow, or fail to prevent the minor from violating the ordinance
• Fail to exercise reasonable supervision (knowing where the child is, who they’re with, and what they’re doing)
Simply having a child caught violating curfew or other listed rules can be used as evidence against the parent/guardian.
4. What happens if there’s a violation
• A minor may be taken to juvenile court.
• The parent/guardian can then be summoned to municipal court and ordered to provide proper supervision.
• On a second offense, the parent/guardian faces penalties: up to a $2,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both.
• Community service may also be required (and can be ordered for parent and child together under state law).
5. Bottom line for residents
The Township is emphasizing that parents and guardians are primarily responsible for keeping minors safe and out of trouble. The ordinance strengthens tools to encourage better supervision and reduce late-night problems, vandalism, and other issues involving young people.
This takes effect after final passage and publication. For the full legal text or specific questions, contact me or the clerk.
