New Jersey and Pennsylvania fireworks laws ahead of Fourth of July

🎆New Jersey made some fireworks legal for adult use in 2017

🎆What if a New Jersey resident buys fireworks in Pennsylvania?

🎆73% of all fireworks-related injuries happen around July Fourth

With the Fourth of July around the corner, the holiday’s tradition of fireworks and sparklers can be dangerous and even illegal without proper preparation or information.

Each state in the country has different laws and age restrictions for fireworks and other kinds of festive sparklers, so knowing what is legal and permitted is an important step in planning any Fourth of July festivities.

Until 2017, fireworks were illegal in New Jersey with the exception of permitted demonstrations that were licensed.

Legislation was signed by former Gov. Chris Christie in 2017 which allowed the sale and use of sparkling devices and other hand held/ground-based fireworks. The sale and use of larger fireworks remains prohibited.

According to information posted on the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs' (NJDCA) website, the New Jersey Explosives and Fireworks Act permits people 16 and older to buy, possess and use certain sparkling devices and novelties. These fireworks include hand held or ground-based sparklers, snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers, party poppers, snappers and drop pops.

Other types of fireworks are only allowed to be purchased and used by those possessing a valid permit. The permit process requires several steps and is issued by a municipality.

ALSO READ: 2024 schedule for Fourth of July fireworks in NJ

What if a New Jersey resident buys fireworks in Pennsylvania?

New Jersey drivers that cross state lines into Pennsylvania are likely accustomed to seeing billboards advertising stores that sell fireworks.

According to NJDCA, those stores legally have to clearly state fireworks other than sparkling devices and novelties are illegal to have or use in New Jersey without a valid permit. Stores that fail to do so would be in violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.

ALSO READ: 15 of the best festivals for July fun in NJ

PA versus NJ firework laws

In Pennsylvania, consumers over the age of 18 are permitted to purchase, possess and use class C or consumer fireworks, according to information posted on the Pennsylvania State Police website.

This includes firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets and other fireworks that have a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material, according to the website.

Pennsylvania also allows ground and hand-held sparkling devices, novelties and toy caps, according to information posted on the Pennsylvania State Police website.

Pennsylvania consumers can only buy fireworks from stand-alone, permanent structures that are licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Consumer fireworks are allowed to be purchased online, but can't be shipped directly to a residential address. Instead, the items ordered have to be picked up from a licensed, permanent/licensed building, the Pennsylvania State Police website indicated.

Personal use of fireworks can be dangerous

Fireworks and other sparklers are a staple of the Fourth of July holiday, however it’s safest to enjoy professional shows.

In a 2022 study, the Consumer Product Safety Commission found 73% of all fireworks- related injuries occurred within the 30-day period of Independence Day.

The same study found 10,300 nationwide injuries and 11 deaths all related to fireworks, with the majority of these injuries being burns to hands, fingers, legs and head.

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association found more fires reported on the Fourth of July than any other day, with fireworks the overwhelming cause.

The study also estimates an annual $105 million in property damage, 46 civilian injuries and five deaths all due to fireworks-related fires.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents each have different laws to pay attention to when celebrating July Fourth with fireworks. Making sure to use these firecrackers responsibly and legally is the safest way to enjoy the holiday.

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