Pennsylvania fireworks laws: What you should know

Julia Priest
·2 min read
Pennsylvania fireworks laws: What you should know

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Pennsylvania residents should be aware of state law when it comes to setting off certain fireworks.

In a FAQ page on the PSP website, troopers say that in 2022, House Bill 2157 was signed into law and explained how that impacted how Commonwealth residents are allowed to use fireworks.

When asked which fireworks PA residents are allowed to use and buy, state police explained that PA shoppers can use and purchase Class C, or consumer-grade fireworks such as:

  • Firecrackers

  • Roman candles

  • Bottle rockets

  • Similar fireworks that have a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material.

Consumer fireworks do not include “toy caps,” “novelties,” and “ground and hand-held sparkling devices, according to troopers.

For fireworks that pack a bigger punch, PSP says that “display fireworks” are still to only be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the action will happen.

Display fireworks are classified by authorities that include salutes which have more than 130 milligrams, or two grains of explosive materials, and professional-grade aerial shells with more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions.

State police say anyone 18 or older can possess, buy, and use consumer fireworks, but there are some restrictions on when, where, and how to use them.

  • Cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without express permission of the property owner.

  • Cannot be directed at another person.

  • Cannot be discharged from or directed at a building or vehicle.

  • Cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle regardless if the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks.

  • Cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.

Some municipalities could restrict consumer firework use from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. excluding on July 2, July 3, July 4, and December 31 where they can be used until 1:00 a.m., authorities explained.

If the Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, PSP says fireworks could be used until 1:00 a.m. on the immediately preceding and following Friday and Saturday.

Where to watch the fireworks in NEPA

Fireworks could be bought from a stand-alone, permanent structure licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, PSP said.

State police say consumer fireworks could also be bought online, through mail-order, or other means. However, the delivery of the fireworks to a purchaser should take place at a licensed permanent structure.

However, PSP, a sheriff or sheriff’s deputy, and other public officials could remove, take, or cause to be removed all stocks of display or consumer fireworks sold, stored, used, or held in violation of the law.

State troopers say to “check with your local municipality for applicable local ordinances.”

Here is a directory of state laws compiled by the American Pyrotechnic Association.

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