2C:33-7. Obstructing highways and other public passages
a. A person, who, having no legal privilege to do so, purposely or
recklessly obstructs any highway or other public passage whether alone
or with others, commits a petty disorderly persons offense. Obstructs
means renders impassable without unreasonable inconvenience or hazard.
No person shall be deemed guilty of recklessly obstructing in violation
of this subsection solely because of a gathering of persons to hear him
speak or otherwise communicate, or solely because of being a member of
such a gathering.
b. A person in a gathering commits a petty disorderly persons offense if
he refuses to obey a reasonable official request or order to move:
(1) To prevent obstruction of a highway or other public passage; or
(2) To maintain public safety by dispersing those gathered in dangerous proximity to a fire or other hazard.
An order to move, addressed to a person whose speech or other lawful
behavior attracts an obstructing audience, shall not be deemed
reasonable if the obstruction can be readily remedied by police control
of the size or location of the gathering.
L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:33-7, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.
