Mercer County, NJ Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton) (Mercer County, NJ). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under New Jersey Judiciary Supreme Court Electronic Device Directive (Mercer Vicinage). No lockers are needed at Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton) because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security. Last checked
How sure is this? This page applies the statewide New Jersey court rule to Mercer County. We have not yet confirmed it building by building, and local judges or the Sheriff can set stricter rules. Before you go, call (609) 571-4200 or check the official court site. Know the current rule? Tell us.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton)
- Address
- 175 S Broad St, Trenton, NJ 08608
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (609) 571-4200
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~1,363 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.njcourts.gov/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Mercer County Juror Parking Facility (Trenton Judicial Garage)
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated Mercer County Juror Garage in downtown Trenton. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Trenton local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Mercer County)
Authority: New Jersey Judiciary Supreme Court Electronic Device Directive (Mercer Vicinage) · Verification: Statewide court rule baseline (New Jersey); building-level check pending
| Rule / Amenity | Mercer County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Allowed (silent mode in courtrooms) | “Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton) NJ Judiciary Directive: "Cell phones, tablets, and laptops are permitted inside the courthouse for jurors and visitors. All devices must be silenced in courtrooms and may not be used to photograph or record."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones allowed on silent | “Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton) NJ Judiciary Directive: "Cell phones, tablets, and laptops are permitted inside the courthouse for jurors and visitors. All devices must be silenced in courtrooms and may not be used to photograph or record."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | No lockers needed (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | Safe for Uber/bus (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Mercer County Juror Parking Facility (Trenton Judicial Garage) | “Jury Summons Instructions (Mercer County): "Jurors receive free validated parking at Mercer County Juror Parking Facility (Trenton Judicial Garage). Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton) NJ Judiciary Directive: "Cell phones, tablets, and laptops are permitted inside the courthouse for jurors and visitors. All devices must be silenced in courtrooms and may not be used to photograph or record."” |
| Security line wait times | ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Mercer County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches allowed (silent) | “Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton) NJ Judiciary Directive: "Cell phones, tablets, and laptops are permitted inside the courthouse for jurors and visitors. All devices must be silenced in courtrooms and may not be used to photograph or record."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Mercer County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton) Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 175 S Broad St, Trenton, NJ 08608 |
Allowed (Silent) | No lockers | Validated free (Mercer County Juror Parking Facility (Trenton Judicial Garage)) |
What to Know Before You Go to Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Mercer County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
You may bring your cell phone inside on silent mode. Do not take your phone out inside a courtroom unless the judge explicitly asks you to display digital proof of insurance or exhibits.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~10 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Mercer County, NJ
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Mercer County, NJ, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to Mercer County Courthouse in Trenton, NJ?
Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton) (Mercer County, NJ). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under New Jersey Judiciary Supreme Court Electronic Device Directive (Mercer Vicinage).
Does Mercer County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
No lockers are needed at Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton) because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security.
Where do I park for jury duty at Mercer County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Mercer County Juror Parking Facility (Trenton Judicial Garage). Park in the designated Mercer County Juror Garage in downtown Trenton. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Mercer County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Mercer County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 10-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Mercer County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (609) 571-4200 or consult a local Mercer County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
Before You Go
- What to bring to jury duty
- What to bring to traffic court
- Prohibited items at security
- Postpone jury duty / check reporting status
- Jury duty scam calls
Other County Courthouses in New Jersey
- Bergen County (Hackensack)
- Middlesex County (New Brunswick)
- Essex County (Newark)
- Hudson County (Jersey City)
- Monmouth County (Freehold)
- Ocean County (Toms River)
- Union County (Elizabeth)
- Morris County (Morristown)
- Passaic County (Paterson)
- Burlington County (Mount Holly)
- Camden County (Camden)
- Somerset County (Somerville)
- All 15 New Jersey counties →
Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Mercer County Courthouse (Trenton)? Submit a verified update.