Federal & State Fireworks Regulations

To help prevent injuries from fireworks-related incidents, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) enforces federal laws that prohibit the sale of the most dangerous types of fireworks to consumers.

Fireworks Banned Under Federal Law

M-80s
Cherry Bombs
Any Firecrackers containing more than 50 milligrams (about 1/16th of 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.

States That Allow Some or All Types of Consumer Fireworks, Approved By Enforcing Authority, or as Specified in Law

Alabama
Alaska
Arkansas
California
Colorado
District of Columbia
Florida
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

State Having No Fireworks Laws Except at County Level

Nevada (CPSC regulations still apply)

States That Allow Only Sparklers and/or Other Novelties

Illinois
Iowa
Maryland
Ohio
Pennsylvania

States That Ban All Consumer Fireworks

(Including those allowed by CPSC regulations)

Delaware
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York