For a long time, Pennsylvania residents had a limited choice when it came to fireworks. State laws restricted purchases to things like sparklers, snaps, and other novelties and prohibited the sale of aerial fireworks, or any fireworks that shoot into the sky.
Laws have recently changed, and Pennsylvania residents are now able to buy “Class C” or “Commercial Grade” fireworks including firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and other varieties that contain no more than 50 mg of explosive materials.
Lifting this ban, however, doesn’t mean it’s a free for all for the use of fireworks. First, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase them.
Here are additional restrictions that exist for their use:
- Fireworks cannot be discharged on public or private property without the express permission of the property owner (this includes streets, parks, and other open spaces)
- Fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure
- Fireworks cannot be discharged from or within a building or motor vehicle
- Fireworks cannot be discharged toward a building or motor vehicle
- Do not discharge fireworks if you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any controlled substance.
You can still “have a blast” this summer, just remember to follow local laws so your celebration doesn’t go KABOOM.
