Fireworks will lighting up the skies across Pennsylvania this weekend for Fourth of July celebrations.Video above: Pennsylvania fireworks bill heads to State SenateHere are some answers to frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania’s fireworks law.What fireworks can be purchased and used?According to Pennsylvania State Police, residents can buy and use “Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks that include firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. The expansion includes those fireworks that were previously only available to out-of-state residents.Display fireworks (including salutes that contain more than two grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials, and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions) are still only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place.Where can fireworks be purchased in Pennsylvania?Here is a Fireworks Retail List from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Who can buy fireworks?Anyone over the age of 18 can buy fireworks in Pennsylvania. Where can fireworks be set off?In Pennsylvania, fireworks cannot be discharged…On a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.From or within a motor vehicle or building.Toward a motor vehicle or building.Within 150 feet of an occupied structure, whether or not a person is actually present.While the person discharging them is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.Pennsylvania State Police also recommend checking with municipalities, as there may be local ordinances for fireworks that apply.Municipalities may restrict use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except:July 2, 3, 4 and Dec. 31 when they may be used until 1 a.m.If July 4 falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday they may be used until 1 a.m. on the immediately preceding and following Friday and SaturdayWho enforces laws for Fireworks?Any law enforcement officer having jurisdiction may make an arrest and confiscate fireworks under the Fireworks Law. To report a violation of the Fireworks Law, contact the police department servicing your area as would to report any other crime.Where can I learn more?House Bill 542 (repealed and replaced Pennsylvania’s Fireworks Act of 1939)U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms – Fireworks safety and regulationsU.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission – Fireworks business guidanceAmerican Pyrotechnic Association – Director of State Laws and other Industry Information
Fireworks will lighting up the skies across Pennsylvania this weekend for Fourth of July celebrations.
Video above: Pennsylvania fireworks bill heads to State Senate
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania’s fireworks law.
What fireworks can be purchased and used?
According to Pennsylvania State Police, residents can buy and use “Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks that include firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. The expansion includes those fireworks that were previously only available to out-of-state residents.
Display fireworks (including salutes that contain more than two grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials, and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions) are still only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place.
Where can fireworks be purchased in Pennsylvania?
Here is a Fireworks Retail List from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Who can buy fireworks?
Anyone over the age of 18 can buy fireworks in Pennsylvania.
Where can fireworks be set off?
In Pennsylvania, fireworks cannot be discharged…
- On a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.
- From or within a motor vehicle or building.
- Toward a motor vehicle or building.
- Within 150 feet of an occupied structure, whether or not a person is actually present.
- While the person discharging them is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.
Pennsylvania State Police also recommend checking with municipalities, as there may be local ordinances for fireworks that apply.
Municipalities may restrict use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except:
- July 2, 3, 4 and Dec. 31 when they may be used until 1 a.m.
- If July 4 falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday they may be used until 1 a.m. on the immediately preceding and following Friday and Saturday
Who enforces laws for Fireworks?
Any law enforcement officer having jurisdiction may make an arrest and confiscate fireworks under the Fireworks Law. To report a violation of the Fireworks Law, contact the police department servicing your area as would to report any other crime.
Where can I learn more?