Legal Firework Times
Cities and counties may charge a fee for the sale of fireworks and shows sufficient to cover all legitimate costs up to the maximum amounts prescribed in RCW 70.77.555. RCW 70.77.395 specifies the authorized dates and times for the sale or dumping of fireworks, as shown in the table below. However, this does not apply to tribal areas. RCW 70.77.401 prohibits the sale or offer for sale of the following types of fireworks: You cannot buy “adult” fireworks if you are under 18, and it is illegal for someone to set off fireworks between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., except on certain occasions. This list is not exhaustive and is only intended to include political examples. The Washington State Fire Marshal`s Office used to keep a list of cities and counties with fireworks restrictions and bans, but abandoned that list. Some jurisdictions have used non-binding consultation votes to get citizen feedback on whether or not to ban consumer fireworks. Current examples can be found in our Local Voting Measures Database.
(Click Search by Keyword and enter Fireworks.) The Washington State Patrol (WSP) enforces state fireworks laws (see Chapter 70.77 RCW and Chapter 212-17 WAC). For general information on fireworks, licensing and fireworks laws for emergency services, visit WSP`s Fireworks page. All local fireworks ordinances that are more restrictive than state law may take effect no earlier than one year after they are passed. Important: According to RCW 70.77.250(4), local ordinances restricting the sale or dumping of fireworks or prohibiting their sale and discharge cannot come into force until one year after they are passed. However, some jurisdictions have also implemented emergency fireworks bans during periods of high fire risk, as explained below. You can be fined indefinitely and jailed for up to 6 months if you illegally sell or use fireworks. You can also get a £90 fine on the spot. You are not allowed to set off fireworks between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., except: Cities and counties may further restrict by ordinance the days and times on which fireworks can be sold and unloaded, or even ban the sale and unloading of fireworks altogether, but local regulations must not be less restrictive than state law.
Even if a local government decides to restrict fireworks in its community by issuing a local ordinance, state law requires fireworks to be allowed after 11:00 a.m. on the following days: Check with your council for local rules for setting off fireworks. In Michigan, consumer fireworks must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Licensed establishments sell fireworks only to persons 18 years of age and older. Low-impact fireworks (ground items such as sparklers, toy snakes, snapshots, and poppers) are also legal for sale and use. The law states that you cannot set off or launch fireworks (including sparklers) on the street or in other public places. Some jurisdictions have issued ordinances that come into effect after the one-year legal waiting period in RCW 70.77.250(4) authorizing certain officials (such as the mayor, county council, sheriff, or fire marshal) to prohibit fireworks under emergency conditions such as high fire risk. Below are selected examples of cities or counties that have enacted ordinances that are more restrictive than state fireworks laws, including those that completely ban fireworks. In addition, it can be argued that RCW 70.77.250(4) does not affect the ability of local governments to impose emergency restrictions or prohibitions in response to extreme heat, drought or other circumstances that would make the launching of fireworks unreasonably dangerous. The following ordinances completely prohibit fireworks, with the exception of public displays, religious activities, private events, and agricultural and wildlife uses. Similarly, the town of Snoqualmie produced a document that showed which fireworks are considered illegal within the city limits.
There is no clear law on this issue, so local governments must assess the potential legal risks of an emergency response that restricts or prohibits the firing of fireworks. Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks – they don`t contain things like party poppers. At other times, you can only buy fireworks in authorized stores. Find out more about fireworks safety from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the Health and Safety Executive. Category 4 fireworks can only be used by professionals. State law governs the regulation of fireworks, including the licensing of fireworks for public fireworks and fireworks vendors, and when fireworks can be fired. This page provides an overview of Washington State local government authority to regulate fireworks, including relevant state laws, permits, and licenses, the date and time fireworks can be sold or unloaded, emergency fireworks bans, and examples of local ordinances and advisory votes. [C] Consumer fireworks classified as celestial rockets or rocket-like rockets, fireworks, firearm salutes, or pursuers as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Consumer Products Safety Commission, unless otherwise specified in RCW 70.77.311.
Michiganrs planning to set off fireworks should make sure they know what days are legal to do so in their local community. Michigan`s Fireworks Safety Act of 2011 (Public Act 256) was amended in December 2018, giving local government agencies — villages, towns, and towns — the right to restrict the days and hours their residents use fireworks by issuing a local ordinance. Consumers should always buy from state-certified fireworks retailers — whether in a stationary building or tent — and should keep these important safety tips in mind to protect life and property: Here`s a handy guide to what`s legal and what`s not: Analysis: Does anyone really like Michigan`s fireworks laws? It is unclear whether local governments have the authority to impose an immediate ban on fireworks during times of high fire risk. You can only buy fireworks (including candles) from sellers registered for private use these days: However, state law leaves some leeway for local regulations, such as when fireworks can be sold or unloaded. Cities and counties can even ban the sale and firing of fireworks altogether. In addition to obtaining a state license, RCW 70.77.260(1) states that anyone wishing to manufacture, import, sell, or transport fireworks must also obtain a local permit issued by a city or county before engaging in these activities. There are license exceptions for the purchase and use of certain agricultural and wildlife fireworks by government agencies and for the purchase of consumer fireworks by religious or private organizations for “religious or specific purposes,” subject to approval by the local fire department officer (RCW 70.77.311). The Washington State Fire Marshal`s Office has two documents that can help identify legal and illegal fireworks: When fire-related incidents involve consumer, low-impact, or illegal fireworks that result in property damage, injury, or death to another person, individuals are liable to a misdemeanor or felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines that may result in go up to $10,000 or Both are punished.