New Jersey strictly prohibits bear wrestling and similar animal fights under its animal cruelty laws. These activities fall under broader bans on fighting or baiting any living creature, which carry severe penalties. Several other obscure laws in the state may surprise residents and visitors alike.
Bear Wrestling Ban
New Jersey Statute 4:22-24 criminalizes causing, allowing, or permitting the fighting or baiting of any living animal, including bears, for amusement or gain. This makes bear wrestling a third-degree crime, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines . The law covers owning, training, or promoting animals for such purposes, ensuring no exceptions for spectacles .​
Other Unusual Prohibitions
- Selling handcuffs to anyone under 18 is a disorderly persons offense, with police required to confiscate them from minors.​
- Wearing a bulletproof vest while committing violent crimes like murder or robbery is illegal.​
- Pumping your own gas at stations is banned; only attendants may dispense fuel, with fines up to $250 for violations.​
- Selling cars on Sundays violates blue laws, though motorcycles may be exempt unless locally prohibited.​
Local Oddities
Trenton forbids eating pickles on Sundays or throwing bad ones into streets under its pickle ordinance. Blairstown requires shade trees along streets not to block light or air. Newark ice cream vendors with outdoor seating for 20+ after 4 p.m. must provide a security guard.
