28th Jun 2022

Michigan Firework Laws 2022
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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

As the Fourth of July approaches, we start to see the firework tents pop up, the shelves at convenience stores start to fill up with consumer fireworks, and people start planning out their Up North firework displays for their families and friends. It is important to remember that for the Fourth of July, the window to legally ignite consumer fireworks is from Jun 29th to July 4th at 11:45 pm.

Consumer fireworks can be fun, but they can also be dangerous. The types of consumer fireworks that are legal in the State of Michigan are:

  • Roman Candles
  • Bottle Rockets/Sky Rockets
  • Missile Type Rockets
  • Aerials
  • Reloadable Shell Device
  • Helicopter/Aerial Spinners
  • Firecrackers
  • Single Tube Device with Report

    Low impact fireworks including:

    • Ground Sparkling Devices
    • Smoke Devices
    • Sparkling Wheel Devices
    • Handheld Sparklers

    Novelties including:

    • Snappers
    • Snakes
    • Party Poppers
    • Smoke Balls
    • Sparkling Devices

The State of Michigan has put together some important reminders about the firework laws in Michigan so you are prepared with how to have firework fun, safely and legally. Some of them are rather obvious, but it is important to have these safety tips sharp in your mind before igniting fireworks.

  • You must be at least 18 years old to purchase and ignite consumer fireworks.
  • You can only ignite fireworks on your own private property. It is illegal to light them off on public property. If you are found in violation of this, you could be responsible for a fine of up to $500.

    Public property includes:

    • Streets
    • Sidewalks
    • School Property
    • Church Property
    • Another person’s property-unless permission was granted from them
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
  • Have an adult supervise fireworks, including sparklers.
  • Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and highly flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.
  • Keep people and pets out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of a fire.
  • Be respectful of your neighbors.
  • Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them in the trash.
  • NEVER ignite fireworks if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only is it extremely dangerous, it could also result in a $1,000 fine.
  • NEVER buy fireworks wrapped in brown paper or use unlabeled fireworks-they are for professional use only.
  • NEVER experiment with or make your own fireworks.
  • NEVER hold a firework while lighting it. (Handheld sparklers are an exception.)
  • NEVER point or throw fireworks at other people.
  • NEVER try to re-light dud fireworks or fireworks that did not ignite properly. You should wait at least 20 seconds and then submerge them in a bucket of water.
  • NEVER carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

If property is damaged, a person is injured, or a person dies when using consumer, low impact, or illegal fireworks, individuals are subject to a misdemeanor or even a felony which could result in up to $10,000 in fines, up to 15 years in prison, or both.

Be sure to check the local firework ordinance for your city since each municipality is responsible for drafting their own set of laws regarding consumer fireworks. Some of them could be more restrictive than the State of Michigan firework laws.

It is extremely important to understand firework safety and the laws surrounding it so you can keep you and your loved ones safe.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

If you would like to know more about firework laws, please reach out to our municipal practice group.

If you would like to see the pictures of the legal consumer fireworks, click HERE.

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