How Old Do You Have to be in New Jersey to Use a Lawnmower? 

Summer is now here, and lawns are growing and need their maintenance to stay healthy and look their best. The sound of lawnmowers around the neighborhood is a daily occurrence, and let's face it, the sound of lawnmowers is a part of the season.

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I can't remember how old I was when I used my first lawnmower, but I was a young teen, and I was using a standard push gas mower. My dad showed me how to start (pull cord) and use, and watch the blade around fingers and toes.

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What is the Law in New Jersey for Using Lawnmowers?

The answer to this question comes in two parts. The law handles lawnmowers into two categories. The categories break down to unpaid and paid lawn mowing and using lawnmowers. Let's explain the deal here in New Jersey.

For personal use at home, there is no state law that states a specific age to mow lawns in New Jersey. According to experts, they recommend at least 12 years old for a "walk-behind" push mower and 16 or older for a riding mower.

Here is where the "law" gets involved. Getting paid to mow lawns. Working with lawnmowers falls under the New Jersey Child Labor Law. The bullet points (NJ.GOV) include:

• Under 16: Cannot operate power-driven machinery, which includes lawnmowers
• At 16 or 17, allowed to operate a powered lawn mower or tractor only for employment purposes

The Bottom Line: So basically, in New Jersey, if you are being paid to mow lawns, you must be at least 16 years of age.