Are Fireworks Legal in Your State?

Before you go spending all of your lunch money on fireworks, you might want to head to your local government's website to see if they are legal. Legality of certain fireworks can vary from state to state and even from city to city as does the fines associated with breaking the law. Just search 'firework' on SpotCrime and you'll see dozens of police departments responding to calls associated with fireworks.

We've tired to compile a list to help you navigate laws in your local area, but we found it rather difficult task. Check out our list at the bottom of the post to see if fireworks are legal where you live. This kind of reminds us of how hard it is to get crime data!

But first, check out some other 4th celebration safety tips we'd like to share are:

1. Check to make sure the fireworks you're buying are legal. Sometimes there are loopholes that can allow a vendor to sell illegal fireworks. But buying them (and setting them off) are still illegal.
2. Make sure your firework set up is not near houses and is on level ground. You don't want to risk embers catching the neighborhood on fire! And flat, solid ground will make sure the fireworks don't tip over mid-explosion and turn their path toward your direction (I speak from experience!).
3. Don't do what the city of San Diego did in 2012. 
4. Make sure all kids are supervised. Even with simple things like sparklers - it's still a hot, open flame.
5. Going somewhere to watch fireworks? Make sure to lock up! Don't give criminals the opportunity to ruin your holiday. And make sure to check out SpotCrime.info or our SpotCrime iPhone app for crime in the area where ever you're traveling to.
6. Get a designated driver. Drinking and driving is not cool.

Are fireworks legal in your state? Check it out below:

23 states permit the sale of all or most types of consumer fireworks to residents: Alabama | Alaska | Arkansas |  Indiana | Kansas | Louisiana | Maine | Michigan | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | New Hampshire | New Mexico | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Washington | Wyoming

19 states allow residents to purchase and use non-aerial and non-explosive fireworks(aka 'safe and sane') like novelties, fountains, and sparklers: Arizona | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Florida | Georgia |  Idaho |  Kentucky | Maryland | Minnesota | North Carolina | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | West Virginia | Wisconsin | DC 

4 states ban the sale and use of all consumer fireworks, including novelties and sparklers: Delaware | Massachusetts | New Jersey | New York 

Hawaii and Nevada allow each county to establish its own regulations.

Illinois and Iowa permit residents to purchase and use only wire or wood stick sparklers and other novelties.

Have fun, stay aware, and stay safe!