What Fireworks Are Legal In Maryland: Fourth Of July 2018

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

Depending on where you live and where you will celebrate the July 4th holiday, there are different rules on what you can buy and what you can use. In some Maryland jurisdictions, the sale and use of fireworks — even sparklers — is prohibited. Banned items include firecrackers, squibs, rockets, Roman candles, fire balloons, and signal lights.

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.

It is illegal to cross state lines and import fireworks for backyard celebrations, warns the Annapolis Fire department. Fines of up to $250 for each firework device can be levied. Possession or use of explosive fireworks or large firecrackers such as M-100s or “Quarter-sticks” can carry a felony charge and a fine up to $250,000 and up to 25 years in prison.

Each Maryland County has slightly different fireworks laws. In the city of Baltimore, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, there is a complete ban on all fireworks, including sparklers. Ground-based sparklers are prohibited in Ocean City, along with Harford and Howard counties, the state fire marshal's office says.

In Anne Arundel County, including the city of Annapolis, the following types are legal: Sparklers, fountains, crackle and strobe, wheels and spinners. As a general rule, sparklers and any ground-based fireworks are legal, says the Annapolis Fire Department. Anything that launches, explodes, or flies is illegal.

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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.

Examples of fireworks that are illegal in Marylad:

• 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 fireworks 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.

Photo by Autumn Johnson/Patch