What To Know About PA's New Fireworks Laws Before Fourth Of July

New legislation passed in Pennsylvania last fall has eased the restrictions on what types of fireworks the public can purchase. House Bill 542, signed on Oct. 30, 2017, repealed the state's Fireworks Act.

As we head into the Fourth of July, midsummer fireworks season, here's a glance at some of the most important changes you need to know about.

Residents can now purchase — and use in state — Class C fireworks, also known as "consumer grade" fireworks. This class includes firecrackers, Roman Candles, bottle rockets, and similar products. Fireworks cannot contain more than 50 milligrams of explosive material, according to the new law.

This is the most noteworthy change in the new law, as previously, only the smallest products and "ground-based" material could be legally used.

Residents still are not permitted to purchase or use "display" fireworks, which contain professional grade aerial shells.

Pennsylvania is one of 46 states, along with Washington D.C., to allow consumer grade fireworks, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.

While the new law allows these Class C fireworks to be used in the state, it does restrict where they are allowed to be set off. The restrictions should be obvious, yet they are there anyway. According to state police, fireworks cannot be used in the following locations:

• On any public or private property without the permission of the owner
• Inside a motor vehicle or building
• Toward a motor vehicle or building
• Within 150 feet of a building that is occupied

And, of course, anyone who is intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance is not legally allowed to shoot off fireworks.

Fireworks may be purchased at any licensed facility by individuals aged 18 or older.

To view House Bill 542 of 2017 in its entirety, see here.

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