Before 2017, any firework use was illegal in New Jersey, even sparklers. Now that New Jersey has relaxed their consumer fireworks laws, it is important to refresh our memories ahead of the Fourth of July to ensure we are following all the new regulations that keep the residents of New Jersey safe. Continue reading to discover the legal and illegal fireworks in New Jersey, plus the potential penalties for being caught with illegal fireworks.
If you have been charged with a crime, the first step you should take is to reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights in court. If you have any further questions regarding fireworks regulations in New Jersey and their penalties, contact our firm today.
Legal fireworks in New Jersey:
A good rule of thumb to consider when deciding which fireworks are legal in New Jersey is that most sparklers that stay on the ground and shoot off sparks are primarily good to go, except for Roman candles. The following fireworks are legal in New Jersey:
- Sparklers
- Fountains
- Small smoke bombs
- A wood stick or wire sparkler of no more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item
- Snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers: party poppers, snappers & drop pops, each consisting of 25/100 grains or less of explosive mixture.
- A handheld or ground-based sparkling device which is non-explosive and non-aerial, which may produce a crackling or whistling effect, and contain 75 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition per tube or a total of 500 grams or less for multiple tubes
Illegal fireworks in New Jersey:
The following fireworks at illegal in New Jersey:
- Torpedoes
- Skyrockets
- Firecrackers
- Rockets
- Roman candles
- Aerial devices and fireworks that contain yellow or white phosphorus or mercury
Penalties
If an individual sells, exposes for sale, offers, or possesses with intent to sell any fireworks other than sparkling devices and novelties to persons of 16 years or older, they are guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. When a person, without having the required permit, purchases, possesses, uses, discharges, ignites, fires, or otherwise sets in action fireworks, they are guilty of a petty disorderly person’s offense. Any business that advertises or sells fireworks to residents of New Jersey is required to disclose that fireworks, other than sparkling devices and novelties, are illegal to possess or use in New Jersey without a valid permit. Failure to do so would constitute a violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act and its regulations.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
When someone is charged with a crime, they have a lot to consider. However, we understand that everyone makes mistakes, which is why we are here to help. No matter your circumstances, if you are facing criminal charges, contact the Law Offices of Michael A. Policastro today for the experienced legal counsel you deserve and need.
