Picture of the front of the University Police station

Traffic & Pedestrian Safety

Along with the thousands of students, faculty and staff who attend Montclair State University, the numbers of pedestrians and vehicles on campus is nearly doubled on a daily basis by the many visitors who come to our campus to attend business, sporting, cultural and educational events.

The Montclair State University Police Department strictly enforces all motor vehicle, traffic and parking laws of the State of New Jersey. This is done to increase the safety of pedestrians and decrease the number of motor vehicle accidents. Speeding, driving while intoxicated, failure to yield to pedestrians, driving on sidewalks, driving while on cell phones, failure to use seat belts and blocking fire/ emergency lanes are several of many violations that place members of the Montclair community in danger, not only as pedestrians but as drivers as well. Motorists must always have a valid driver’s license, a current vehicle registration card and proof of valid insurance for the vehicle they are driving at all times in their possession.

Drive Safely On and Off Campus

Traffic Awareness

  • Traffic peaks during class change times and free periods. Follow the directions of officers and crossing guards to keep things moving smoothly.
  • Speed limits: 25 mph on campus roads, 15 mph on College Avenue, and 5 mph in parking areas. Speeding violations are strictly enforced, with penalties determined by municipal court.
  • Be patient and courteous; aggressive driving won’t get you anywhere faster.

Pedestrian Safety

  • Slow down, stay off your phone, and watch for pedestrians.
  • Drivers must stop for pedestrians at crosswalks until they have fully crossed.
  • Pedestrians should use crosswalks and avoid distractions like cell phones while crossing.

Campus Drop-Off Zones

  • We recognize many have to drop off students or staff – to keep traffic moving be sure the person being dropped off is in the passenger seat and that you have items you need with you rather than the trunk if possible.
  • College Ave roadway, NJ Transit Bus stops, Lot 31 (School of Business) are not areas of unloading or waiting.
  • When you pull over in an active roadway to drop off a passenger you are creating traffic, you are endangering your safety in the vehicle and that of the passenger being dropped. Pull into an adjacent parking lot or designated drop off areas along College Avenue that have curbing designed to pull in off the roadway.
  • If you are blocking a lane of traffic to either pick up or drop off a passenger, expect to be moved along by police as you can create a serious traffic hazard in areas like Cole Hall, Panzer Gymnasium, Red Hawk Deck, the Student Center and the Bohn/Blanton quad area.

“Authorized Vehicles Only” Zones

  • Only authorized vehicles are permitted in certain campus areas. Violations can result in fines, towing, or other penalties.

Safe Passing Law

  • Drivers must move over a lane or slow to 25 mph when passing others, allowing a 4-foot distance. This law applies on and off campus, with penalties for violations.

Safety First

  • Our top priority is your safety. We all play a part in maintaining a secure and respectful environment.

Personal Electric Vehicles

The popularity of personal electric vehicles such as electric bikes and electric scooters (e-bikes and e-scooters) has taken off over the past few years. Storage of these vehicles inside any Montclair State University owned or operated building (including Residence Halls) or other facility is strictly prohibited due to the risk of fire and/or explosion. This includes stairwells, hallways and common areas. Read More.