Minnesota Firework Laws: What To Know Ahead Of July 4

TWIN CITIES, MN — Fireworks are exciting, but not if they involve a trip to emergency room. Each year in Minnesota there are dozen of reported fireworks injuries, many involving children.

As Independence Day approaches, authorities say your best bet is to enjoy a public fireworks display. Even legal fireworks like sparklers — which can burn up to 1,200 degrees — can be dangerous and cause injury.

If you do purchase your own fireworks, remember:

• If it flies or explodes, it’s illegal in Minnesota. You could face fines and confiscation of illegal fireworks.
• Use fireworks in an open area away from houses and other structures.
• Don’t let children run through the area. They could step on a spent firework that is still hot.
• Use fireworks responsibly, especially around children. Kids mimic your behavior.
• Use a long lighter meant for a gas grill to light fireworks and stay as far from the wick as possible.
• Do not try to re-light a dud. Ever.
• Have a bucket of water nearby; spent sparklers must go into the bucket, not dropped in the grass.

Examples of legal fireworks in Minnesota:

• Wire or wood sparklers
• Snakes and glow worms
• Smoke devices
• Snappers and drop caps

Examples of illegal fireworks in Minnesota:

• Any size firecrackers
• Sky rockets
• Bottle rockets
• Roman candles

Fireworks FAQs

• Q: Are there age restrictions on fireworks purchase and use?
  
  • A: To purchase fireworks in Minnesota, customers must be at least 18 years old
• Q: Where can I use fireworks?
  • A: State law says that fireworks may only be used on private property. It is illegal to use fireworks on public property, including streets, parks, alleys, schools and government property.
• Q: What are the penalties for illegal fireworks possession?
  
  • A: In Minnesota, possession of less than 35 pounds of illegal fireworks is subject to a fine of up to $700 and 90 days in jail. Possession of over 35 pounds is subject to a fine of up to $3,000 and a year in jail.

More fireworks safety tips

• Read instructions on each device.
• Always provide adult supervision and keep fireworks away from small children.
• Forbid anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to use fireworks.
• Light one at a time and don’t attempt to relight a device that doesn’t ignite the first time.
• If it looks damaged, don’t use it.

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