Local Laws in New Brunswick Visitors Should Know

Quick Answer

Visitors to New Brunswick must be aware of distinct provincial laws: right turns on red are permitted unless signed otherwise, alcohol is sold only through provincial stores (ANBL) with restricted hours, cannabis use is confined to private residences, a strict smoking/vaping ban exists in all indoor public spaces and many outdoor areas, and single-use plastic bags are banned—all enforced with fines that vary by municipality.

1. Traffic & Road Laws

New Brunswick follows the Motor Vehicle Act. While similar to other provinces, key differences exist in enforcement and specific municipal bylaws.

Major Laws & Enforcement

• Right Turn on Red: Permitted province-wide after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it. Always yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
• Cell Phones & Devices: Strictly prohibited. Hands-free use is allowed only if the device is securely mounted and activated by a single touch. Fine: $172.50 + 3 demerit points.
• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers. Drivers are responsible for passengers under 16. Fine: $172.50 + 2 demerit points (driver).
• Winter Tires: Not mandated by provincial law, but strongly recommended from October to April. Some remote rental locations or private roads may require them.
• Pedestrian Crossings: Jaywalking is illegal. Pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections.

Speed Limits (Typical)

Case Example: In 2022, over 4,300 tickets were issued in NB for distracted driving (cell phone use), a primary enforcement focus. (RCMP Report)

2. Alcohol Purchase & Consumption

Alcohol sales are controlled by the provincial crown corporation, ANBL (Alcool NB Liquor). This creates a uniform but restricted retail system.

Purchase Laws

• Where to Buy: Exclusively at ANBL retail stores or licensed agency stores (often in rural pharmacies/convenience stores).
• Legal Age: 19 years old. ID required if you appear under 30.
• Sales Hours (Typical):
  • Mon-Sat: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Hours can vary; check local store listings.
• Restaurants & Bars: Can serve alcohol from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM the following day.

Consumption & Public Intoxication

Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in all public places (streets, parks, beaches) unless in a designated licensed area (e.g., a patio). Public intoxication that causes a disturbance can lead to a fine under the Criminal Code or local bylaws.

3. Cannabis (Recreational) Laws

Governed by the Cannabis Act (Federal) and New Brunswick's Cannabis Control Act.

Key Restrictions for Visitors

• Legal Age: 19.
• Where to Buy: From government-operated Cannabis NB stores only. ~20 locations province-wide.
• Where to Consume: Only in private residences. It is illegal to consume cannabis in any public place, including:
  • Parks, trails, beaches
  • Streets and sidewalks
  • Vehicles (as a driver or passenger)
  • Hotel common areas (balconies may be prohibited)
• Possession Limit: 30 grams of dried cannabis (or equivalent) in public.
• Transporting: Must be in sealed packaging or inaccessible to vehicle occupants (e.g., in the trunk).

Enforcement: Fines for public consumption start at $150-$250. Driving under the influence carries severe penalties, including license suspension and criminal charges.

4. Smoking & Vaping Bans

New Brunswick has one of Canada's most comprehensive smoke-free laws under the Smoke-Free Places Act.

Where Smoking/Vaping is Prohibited

• All indoor public spaces and workplaces.
• Within 9 meters of doorways, windows, and air intakes of public buildings.
• On patios of restaurants and bars where food or drink is served.
• In vehicles with passengers under 16.
• Many municipalities extend bans to include:
  • City of Moncton: All municipal parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and trails.
  • City of Saint John: Similar park bans, plus within 9m of bus shelters.
  • City of Fredericton: Bans in all parks and on all municipal properties.

Fine Range: $100 to $500 for individuals, higher for businesses that fail to enforce.

5. Waste Disposal & Recycling

Rules vary significantly by municipality and are strictly enforced to protect wildlife and reduce landfill waste.

Provincial & Common Municipal Rules

• Plastic Bag Ban: Province-wide ban on single-use plastic checkout bags since July 2022. Bring reusable bags.
• Curbside Sorting: Most cities (Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton) require separation into:
  • Garbage (black bag)
  • Recyclables (clear/blue bag - check local rules)
  • Compost/Organics (green bin/bag)
• Illegal Dumping: Severe fines for dumping waste on Crown land or private property without permission. Fines can exceed $1,000.
• Beverage Containers: Return most aluminum cans, glass, and plastic bottles to designated depots for a refund (usually 10¢).

6. Fishing & Hunting Licenses

Strictly enforced by Fish and Wildlife Act conservation officers. Ignorance is not a defense.

Recreational Fishing

• License Required: Anyone 16+ needs a license. Purchase online via the GNB Portal or at licensed vendors.
• Fees (2024 Sample):

  Category	7-Day Non-Resident	Annual Non-Resident
  Angling	$35	$80
  Salid (Salmon) *	$80	$200+

  * Special tags and rules apply for salmon.
• Seasons & Limits: Vary by species and water body. Consult the annual Angling Summary.

Hunting

Extremely complex for non-residents. Requires:

1. A non-resident hunting license.
2. Completion of a firearm safety course (if using a firearm).
3. Hiring a registered outfitter/guide for big game (moose, bear).
4. Species-specific tags drawn through a lottery system.

7. Noise & Quiet Hours

Primarily governed by municipal bylaws to protect residential peace.

Typical Quiet Hours

Most municipalities enforce quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM on weekdays and sometimes extended on weekends (e.g., midnight to 8 AM Saturday/Sunday).

Municipal Variations & Decibel Limits

Common Triggers: Loud parties, amplified music, excessive vehicle revving, late-night construction.

8. Parking Regulations

Enforcement is active, especially in urban cores and university areas. Rules are posted but can be complex.

• Winter Parking Bans (Nov 1 - Apr 1): Many cities prohibit on-street parking overnight (e.g., 1:00 AM - 7:00 AM) to allow snow clearing. Vehicles may be ticketed and towed.
• Metered Parking: Common in downtown areas. Pay via app (like HotSpot) or meter. Time limits enforced (e.g., 2-hour max).
• Fire Hydrants: Must park at least 5 meters away.
• Accessible Parking: Strictly enforced. Requires a valid permit displayed. Fines can exceed $300.
• Private Property: Shopping malls and hospitals often use private enforcement. Unauthorized parking can lead to quick towing at owner's expense.

9. Accessing Emergency Services

Know how and when to contact local authorities.

• Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 9-1-1.
• Non-Emergency Police: Varies by region:
  • RCMP (Rural areas): 1-888-506-7267
  • Saint John Police: (506) 648-3200
  • Fredericton Police: (506) 460-2300
  • Codiac RCMP (Moncton/Riverview/Dieppe): (506) 857-2400
• Poison Control: 1-800-565-8161
• Hospital Emergency Rooms: Expect triage and potential long waits for non-life-threatening issues. For minor ailments, seek a walk-in clinic or pharmacy.
• Visitor Health Insurance: Highly recommended. NB's public healthcare does not cover most visitors. Ensure you have travel insurance.

10. Key Municipal Law Variations

While provincial law sets the baseline, cities have unique bylaws.

11. Enforcement & Typical Penalties

Laws are actively enforced by RCMP, municipal police, bylaw officers, and conservation officers.

How Enforcement Works

• Traffic: RCMP and municipal police use radar, laser, and patrols. Distracted driving is a high-visibility enforcement target.
• Bylaws (Noise, Parking, etc.): Municipal bylaw officers respond to complaints and conduct patrols.
• Conservation: Fish and Wildlife officers patrol popular fishing/hunting areas and conduct vehicle checkpoints.

Common Fine Ranges (2024 Approximations)

Payment & Disputes: Fines typically have a due date. You can pay online, by mail, or in person. To dispute, you must appear in Provincial Court on the date indicated on the ticket. It is advisable to seek local legal advice if considering a dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Official Resources

• GNB Department of Public Safety - Motor Vehicle Act, Cannabis Control.
• Alcool NB Liquor (ANBL) - Official alcohol retailer, store locator, hours.
• Cannabis NB - Official cannabis retailer.
• GNB Department of Natural Resources - Fishing & hunting licenses, regulations.
• City of Moncton - Municipal bylaws.
• City of Saint John - Municipal bylaws.
• City of Fredericton - Municipal bylaws.
• RCMP in New Brunswick - Provincial policing information.