No, child labor under 14 is illegal in New Jersey under the state’s strict child labor laws, which align with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provisions. Exceptions exist only for limited agricultural or entertainment work with strict parental and Department of Labor approvals. Violations trigger penalties under N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.1 et seq., enforced by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL).
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in New Jersey
- Work Permits Required: Minors under 14 must obtain a special employment certificate from NJDOL, even for exempted roles like babysitting or farm work, with parental consent and school verification.
- Permissible Hours and Tasks: Restricted to non-hazardous, part-time roles outside school hours; entertainment work (e.g., modeling) requires NJDOL pre-approval and adherence to N.J.A.C. 12:58-1.3.
- Enforcement and Penalties: NJDOL conducts unannounced inspections; employers face fines up to $10,000 per violation under 2024 amendments to N.J.S.A. 34:2-21.17, with 2026 compliance audits targeting high-risk industries.
Local municipalities, such as Newark and Jersey City, impose additional ordinances, including mandatory reporting of child labor violations to NJDOL within 48 hours. Employers must maintain records for three years or risk civil penalties.