Is It Legal to Light Fireworks in Illinois
“Consumer fireworks are permitted ONLY in villages, counties and municipalities that have issued orders authorizing such demonstrations while meeting the requirements for use AND only approved types of fireworks are used,” explains the Fire Marshal. Federal law classifies most fireworks as “prohibited hazardous substances.” Federal regulations specifically prohibit M-80s and cherry bombs, as well as any fireworks that produce a sound “produced by a charge of more than 2 grains of pyrotechnic composition.” They are prohibited because “public health and safety can only be served by keeping these items out of interstate commerce.” As this happens, a common question continues to be asked by residents of this state: Are fireworks illegal in Illinois? According to the Fire Marshal, fireworks in the United States cause about 19,500 injuries each year, with most injuries affecting the hands and fingers, followed by the legs. Burns account for 44% of fireworks injuries observed during and around the Fourth of July holidays. While many Illinois residents cross borders to neighboring states like Indiana or Wisconsin to legally purchase fireworks, once you enter Illinois with these products, you`re breaking the pyrotechnic use law. Violations can result in a fine of $2500 and up to one year in jail. For example, sparklers are legal at the state level, but they are illegal in Chicago and several other Illinois cities, so be careful and check your city`s laws and regulations before celebrating this Fourth of July. Illinois law prohibits all types of fireworks for consumers. However, under the Pyrotechnic Use Act (“UPP”), some fireworks are not identified domestic fireworks and are therefore legal. These “unregulated fireworks” include: It is important to note that all of these fireworks must be ground mounted.
ILLINOIS — It`s almost time to celebrate July 4 with barbecues, summer fun, and fireworks — but in Illinois, buying most fireworks is illegal, and residents are only allowed to buy new ones like candles, “party poppers,” and “snake” or “firefly” pellets. And even that depends on what your community has to say about it. In addition, illegally possessing, using or purchasing fireworks is a violation of Illinois` Explosives Act, which is punishable as a Class 3 felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Illinois hospitals reported 202 fireworks injuries during the July 4, 2021 holiday, as well as one death. During the same period in 2020, 163 fireworks injuries and no fatalities were reported. Spectacular fireworks will be held in various locations, from the city to the suburbs, to celebrate Independence Day, with people doing the same in their own backyards. Since then, many states have gradually deregulated fireworks, partly to tap into lost tax revenue from residents crossing state borders, to buy fireworks in states with softer laws, but also due to lax enforcement. Portable fireworks Bottle rockets Heavenly rockets Roman candles Chasers Buzzing bombs Objects on the ground not marked as consumer approved fireworks Helicopters Rockets Pinwheels or other swirling devices, whether mounted on the ground or above the ground Aircraft Sky lanterns, the type of balloon that needs fire underneath to spread Fireworks (all types) Find out where to watch fires Of artifice of the fourth of July near you power. In fact, Illinois is one of only three states that only allow candles and novelties.
Massachusetts has an even stricter law that bans all fireworks. One initiative attempted, but failed, to present fireworks to Massachusetts voters in a referendum on the upcoming midterm elections. Handheld fireworks, bottle rockets, fireworks, torpedoes, rockets, Roman candles, pursuers, buzz bombs, helicopters, rockets, needle wheels, planes. While July Fourth fireworks are often a big part of American celebrations, they can damage both people and property. As the Independence Day holiday approaches, associations should remind their residents of the fireworks rules and regulations that apply to keep the community safe. A man in his 30-year-old Boone County suffered fatal injuries when he set off fireworks on July 4, 2021. In Lake County, a 20-year-old man lost an eye and suffered “severe traumatic facial injuries” when he fired fireworks after bending over to check why they didn`t explode immediately. The actual answer depends on where you live in the state. In the state`s two largest cities, Chicago and Aurora, the sale, possession and use of fireworks is illegal. And according to the Illinois State Fire Marshal, explosive displays are regulated into two categories: Neighboring Indiana has some of the mildest fireworks laws in the country.
Anyone 18 years of age or older can purchase and use fireworks whenever they want, starting at 9 a.m.