When the Fourth of July comes around each year, people generally celebrate with barbecues, pool parties, beach trips, and the traditional fireworks. While these are exciting and fun ways to celebrate with loved ones, it is important to remember that they can also be very dangerous and cause severe injuries if used improperly. It is because of this that the state of New York holds strict laws regarding firework usage and plans to crack down on illegal fireworks for this Fourth of July season. Continue reading to learn more about these laws.
What are the Firework Laws in New York?
In 2014, the state of New York modified its firework laws for the first time in a century. The modifications allowed the sale and use of sparkling devices within the state. However, this is limited to sparker devices only. It does not mean that anyone throughout the state can have their own large fireworks display. The law states that “ground-based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored parks… audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke” are permitted. The law limits the type, size, and construction of these devices. It requires them to be hand held or mounted on a base or spike and limited from 1 to 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition in size.
It is important to note that the laws do not let residents in the Bronx, Kings County, Nassau County, New York County, Queens County, Richmond County, Columbia County, and Schenectady County to buy or use sparkling devices. In addition to this, purchase and use of sparking devices is only allowed by individuals who are 18 years of age or older.
What are the Consequences of Illegal Fireworks in New York?
If a person is in possession or uses fireworks illegally in New York, they can face certain consequences. New York’s law regarding the unlawful dealing with fireworks and dangerous fireworks states the following:
- Any person who shall offer or expose for sale, sell or furnish, any fireworks or dangerous fireworks is guilty of a class B misdemeanor
- Any person who shall offer or expose for sale, sell or furnish any fireworks or dangerous fireworks valued at $500 or more shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor
- Any person who shall possess, use, explode, or cause to explode any fireworks or dangerous fireworks is guilty of a violation
- Any person who shall offer or expose for sale, sell or furnish, any dangerous fireworks, fireworks or sparkling devices to any person who is under the age of 18 is guilty of a class A misdemeanor
- Any person who has previously been convicted of a violation of within the preceding five years and who shall offer or expose for sale, sell or furnish, any dangerous fireworks to a person under the age of 18 shall be guilty of a class E felony
- Possession of fireworks or dangerous fireworks valued at $150 or more shall be a presumption that such fireworks were intended to be offered or exposed for sale
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