The 4th of July weekend is right around the corner, and with that we are likely to see the sky lighting up with fireworks.
If you live in Pennsylvania, residents previously had a limited choice when it came to fireworks for a long time. 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.
That all changed in 2017 when legislators passed House Bill 542, which allowed Pennsylvanians to legally purchase and use “consumer-grade” or “Class C” fireworks. That means firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and the like are all legal.
Still, it’s important to consider that even with the changes in law that there are still some legal restrictions to be aware of.
Important PA restrictions for purchasing Class C Fireworks:
- You must be 18 years of age
- 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
We hope you have a fun and memorable holiday weekend, but please be safe, smart, and follow the restrictions above!
For legal help this summer in PA or NJ, contact Cordisco & Saile LLC at 215-515-0776 or learn more at www.cordiscosaile.com.
