Which Fireworks Are Legal, Which Are Banned In Maryland 2017?

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Most Maryland officials would prefer you go to your community's fireworks celebration, or a big event like the Capitol Fourth, rather than lighting your own devices. With the Fourth of July just around the corner, it’s time for a reminder that fireworks are largely illegal in Maryland.

Depending on where you live and where you will be celebrating the July 4th holiday, there are different rules on what you can buy and what you can use. In some local jurisdictions, the sale and use of fireworks — even sparklers — is prohibited.

Only gold-labeled sparklers, novelty items — such as party poppers, snap pops, and snakes — and ground-based sparkler devices are allowed in Maryland, says the state fire marshal’s office.

And in Baltimore City, along with Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, even sparklers are illegal. Ground-based sparklers are prohibited in Ocean City, along with Harford and Howard counties, the state says.

Penalty under state law for possessing or shooting off fireworks is $250.

And the penalties for violations of the law in areas like Montgomery County, where they are totally banned, include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.

You can find a list of every authorized fireworks display in the state on the fire marshal's website: Public Firework Displays - 2017

So before you drive to Virginia to buy some pyrotechnics, here’s a list of what is illegal in Maryland:

• Firecrackers, Cherry Bombs, Black Cats, M-80’s, Crackling Ball’s, and Smoke Bombs
• Roman Candles, and Bottle Rockets (whistling and/or with report)
• Sky Rockets, Helicopter-type Rockets, Spinning Wheels, Moving Tanks or Other Vehicles
• Any firework that is shot from a mortar tube

The state fire marshal’s office shares these safety tips:

• Keep ignition sources away from children
• Use fireworks only outdoors
• Light only one firework at a time and move quickly away from the firework
• Keep children and pets away from fireworks
• Never light fireworks in your hand
• Never throw fireworks
• Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water
• Clean up debris from fireworks
• Never attempt to re-light a firework that did not go off
• Wait 15-20 minutes if a firework did not go off, then soak in a bucket of water
• Do not allow children to handle ground-based or hand-held sparklers. The temperature of a sparkler can reach 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
• When handling sparklers, do not wear loose clothing.
• You must be at least 16 years old to purchase hand-held and ground-based sparklers.

Prince George's County officials shared this video on the explosive power of firecrackers.

»Patch file photo by Mary Ann Barton