What Are Some Thing's You Can't Do in New Jersey?

1. You Can’t Pump Your Own Gas

This is the most famous "Jersey-ism." Since 1949, the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act has made it illegal for anyone other than a service station attendant to pump their own fuel.

• The Fine: Trying to bypass the attendant can result in a fine of up to $500.
• The Culture: While every other state (with the recent exception of Oregon) has moved to self-service, New Jerseyans take immense pride in their full-service culture. "Jersey Girls Don’t Pump Gas" is more than a bumper sticker; it's a way of life.

2. You Can’t Go Sunday Shopping in Bergen County

Bergen County, home to some of the largest malls in the country, has the strictest "Blue Laws" in the United States.

• The Ban: It is illegal to sell "non-essential" items—including clothing, electronics, furniture, and appliances—on Sundays.
• The Impact: Massive shopping centers like the Westfield Garden State Plaza and Paramus Park go dark every Sunday. While grocery stores and restaurants remain open, don't expect to buy a new pair of jeans until Monday morning.

3. You Can’t Buy a Car on Sunday

Even outside of Bergen County, the state has a universal ban on car sales on the first day of the week.

• The Law: It is a disorderly persons offense to sell a motor vehicle on Sunday in New Jersey.
• The Reason: Like many Blue Laws, this was originally designed to provide a day of rest for dealership employees and to minimize the "vice" of commercial activity on the Sabbath.

4. You Can’t Pass Without Honking (Technically)

According to New Jersey Statute 39:4-85, you are legally required to give an audible signal (honk your horn) before passing another vehicle, a bicyclist, or even a skateboarder.

• The Reality: While almost never enforced in modern traffic, failing to "beep" before you pass someone could technically result in a ticket.

5. You Can’t Own Personalized License Plates After a DUI

New Jersey takes driving under the influence very seriously. If you are convicted of a DUI, reckless driving, or vehicular homicide, you are prohibited from having personalized license plates for 10 years following your conviction.

6. You Can’t Sell Handcuffs to Minors

In many states, plastic or novelty handcuffs are common toys or costume accessories. In New Jersey, however, it is a disorderly persons offense to sell handcuffs to anyone under the age of 18. Police are authorized to confiscate them if they find a minor in possession of them.

7. You Can’t Slurp Your Soup in Public (Maybe)

There is a long-standing "weird law" rumor that it is illegal to slurp soup in public in New Jersey.

• The Fact Check: Legal historians note that while this is often cited as a quirky Jersey law, it is likely an archaic ordinance from a specific town that has long since been repealed or is simply a persistent urban legend. You are (probably) safe to enjoy your ramen out loud.

8. You Can’t Wear a Bulletproof Vest While Committing a Crime

If you are planning a robbery or a violent act, don't think about extra protection. In New Jersey, wearing a body vest during the commission of a crime is a separate, additional crime. This makes it much harder for defendants to claim they didn't intend for an encounter to become violent.

New Jersey’s laws reflect a state that is deeply protective of its workers, its safety, and its quirky local traditions.

Learn about New Jersey's strange gas law

This video explains the history and modern-day debate surrounding New Jersey's unique Blue Laws and gas pumping restrictions.