PA's New Fireworks Law: What You Need To Know For July 4th Fun

PITTSBURGH, PA - This will be the first Fourth of July since Pennsylvania passed new legislation regulating fireworks last year. If you have questions regarding what fireworks now are legal for state residents to purchase and how they can be used, the Pennsylvania State Police have attempted to provide the answers:

Which fireworks are Pennsylvania residents now allowed to purchase and use?

Consumers can now purchase and use “Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks that include firecrackers, Roman Candles, bottle rockets, and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. The expansion includes those fireworks that were previously only available to out-of-state residents.
“Display fireworks,” which are classified as including salutes that contain more than two grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials, and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, are still only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place.

Who can purchase fireworks?
Anyone 18 years of age or older can purchase them.

What are the restrictions on where they can be used?

· They cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.
· They cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.
· They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.
· They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure.
· They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.
Also, it is recommended that you check with your local municipality, as you may also be subject to applicable local ordinances.

Where can the fireworks be purchased?

They can be purchased at any licensed facility, including temporary ones. The licenses are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Examples of temporary facilities include tents or other structures found in parking lots. These temporary structures can sell fireworks between the dates of June 15-July 8, and December 21-January 2 each year. Click here for more information on Department of Agriculture licensing.

Image via Shutterstock.

Subscribe to Pittsburgh Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.