Federal and State Regulations
To help prevent injuries from fireworks-related incidents, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission enforces federal laws that prohibit the sale of the most dangerous types of fireworks to consumers.
Fireworks that are banned under federal law:
- M-80s, cherry bombs and any firecrackers containing more than 50 milligrams (about 1/6th the weight of a typical aspirin tablet) of powder.
- Large re-loadable shells
- Aerial bombs
- Mail-order kits for building fireworks
As part of its fireworks enforcement program, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission prevents large numbers of hazardous fireworks from reaching store shelves. Working with the U.S. Customs Service since 1988, CPSC has seized or detained over 400 million hazardous fireworks at docks across the country.
In March of 1997, a new CPSC standard that bans large, unstable multiple tube fireworks took effect. This standard is designed to eliminate the deadly tip-over hazard that has killed two innocent bystanders, including a 3-year-old boy, at family celebrations.
Before using fireworks, make sure they are permitted in your state or local area. Many state and local governments prohibit or limit consumer fireworks such as shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, roman candles, rockets, sparklers, firecrackers, and novelty items like snakes and airplanes.
State Regulations for Fireworks
I. STATES THAT ALLOW SOME OR ALL TYPES OF CONSUMER FIREWORKS
(formerly known as class C fireworks), APPROVED BY ENFORCING
AUTHORITY, OR AS SPECIFIED IN LAW (32 states plus the
District of Columbia):
| Alabama | Louisiana | Oregon |
| Alaska | Michigan | South Carolina |
| Arkansas | Mississippi | South Dakota | |
| California | Missouri | Tennessee | |
| Colorado | Montana | Texas | |
| District of Columbia | Nebraska | Utah | |
| Florida | New Hampshire | Virginia | |
| Hawaii | New Mexico | Washington | |
| Idaho | North Carolina | West Virginia | |
| Indiana | North Dakota | Wisconsin | |
| Kansas | Oklahoma | Wyoming | |
| Kentucky | | | |
(The above states enforce the federal regulations and applicable
state restrictions).
II. STATE HAVING NO FIREWORKS LAWS EXCEPT AT COUNTY LEVEL:
(CPSC regulations are still applicable for these states).
III. STATES THAT ALLOW ONLY SPARKLERS AND/OR OTHER NOVELTIES (total of 7 states):
| Illinois | Ohio |
| Iowa | Pennsylvania |
| Maine | Vermont |
| Maryland | |
IV. STATES THAT BAN ALL CONSUMER FIREWORKS (including those which are allowed by CPSC regulations) (total 9 states):
| Arizona | Minnesota |
| Connecticut | New Jersey |
| Delaware | New York |
| Georgia | Rhode Island |
| Massachusetts | |
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