Page 4 - Spring_2015_Newsletter

2015 Spring Newsletter

Laws Governing the Use of Fireworks in Maryland
Many people have questions about the legality of fireworks in Maryland.
The following is a basic summary of the laws.
 To buy, or not to buy? In general, unless they are part of a public display approved by the
fire dept., most fireworks are not legal in MD.
 Not in my backyard. Or any backyard. Absolutely no private display of fireworks in MD
is permitted by law. Fireworks displays are only allowed when a permit is issued by the Fire
Marshall and the requisite insurance coverage is in place.
 It’s a sparkling affair. Sparklers that contain no chlorates or perchlorates and non-aerial,
non-explosive sparkling devices are permitted in most of MD (e.g., “gold label” sparklers
and “champagne party poppers”).
 Let’s see some I.D. The sale of sparklers to anyone under the age of 16 is against the law.
 What if the fireworks were purchased out of state? If you bought them there, use them
there. It is illegal to transport fireworks, even if purchased legally elsewhere, into MD.
 But officer, I didn’t know…. People are often not aware that they’ve purchased fireworks
that aren’t legal in MD. The Maryland State Police publishes a guide that shows the labels
for legal and illegal fireworks.

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