Fireworks In Rhode Island: What's Legal, What's Not

Before you stock up on fireworks for the Fourth of July, make sure what you're lighting off is legal in Rhode Island. Here in the Ocean State, only certain ground fireworks and handheld sparklers are allowed, Coventry police reminded residents ahead of the holiday.

All display and aerial fireworks are banned, meaning firecrackers, roman candles and other fireworks that shoot into the air, explode, or make a large bang are not allowed. The only fireworks allowed are the kind the lets off a shower of sparks. Whistles, crackling noises and smoke are also acceptable as long as they don't make a loud "gunshot" sound. Also OK: any handheld sparkler, a perennial holiday favorite among children.

Anyone caught selling, possessing or using banned fireworks could face a fine of up to $1,000, up to a year of prison time, or both.

Here's are some examples of what's allowed and what's banned:

Allowed

• Ground-based sparklers
• Hand-held sparklers
• Flitter sparklers
• Wheel spinners
• Party poppers
• Snappers
• Smoke "bombs"
• Snakes
• Glow worms
• Illuminating torches

Banned

• Firecrackers
• Rockets
• Roman candles
• Mortars
• Anything that launches into the air or makes a loud "bang"

To report illegal firework use, don't call 911, instead, call your local police department's non-emergency phone number, officials recommended.