Fireworks in Colorado (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Colorado allows only 'permissible fireworks' such as fountains, ground spinners and sparklers; aerial devices and firecrackers are excluded. They may not be sold to anyone under 16, and people under 16 may use them only under adult supervision. Cities, towns and counties may impose further regulations and prohibitions.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 16 years [1] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | A city, town or county may impose further regulations and prohibitions on the sale, use and possession of fireworks, including permissible fireworks, within its area, but may not authorise anything the state part forbids. [1] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only permissible fireworks: fountains, ground spinners, sparklers, illuminating torches, wheels and similar devices, and multiple-tube devices with sparks up to 15 feet. Aerial devices and audible ground devices such as firecrackers are excluded. [1] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Cities, towns and counties (for unincorporated areas) may impose further regulations and prohibitions on the sale, use and possession of fireworks, including permissible fireworks, but may not allow anything state law prohibits. [1] |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 16 years [1] |
Notes
- Only 'permissible fireworks' (as defined in § 24-33.5-2001(11)) may be possessed, discharged or sold at retail by a licensed retailer; other fireworks are unlawful without a permit under § 24-33.5-2003. Cities and counties may add further regulation or prohibition (§ 24-33.5-2007).
- It is unlawful to furnish any fireworks to a person under 16 or for a person under 16 to purchase them. A person under 16 may possess and discharge permissible fireworks under adult supervision (§ 24-33.5-2002(6)).
- People under 16 may possess and let off permissible fireworks only under adult supervision.
Sources
- Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal Services: Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 24 (uncertified printout), article 33.5, part 20, fireworks (Internet Archive snapshot of 14 December 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Colorado and neighbouring states
| State | Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks | Minimum age to buy | When they may be sold to the public | When they may be let off | Where they may not be let off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Yes (permissible fireworks only) | 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Cities and counties may ban or restrict |
| Kansas | Yes (licensed retail; bottle rockets banned) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Seasonal: 20 Jun-7 Jul; permanent: year-round | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nebraska | Yes (licensed sellers) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 24 Jun-5 Jul; 28 Dec-1 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Mexico | Yes (permissible fireworks incl. aerial) | 16 | Set periods (4 July, New Year, Cinco de Mayo) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not on wildlands; drought bans |
| Oklahoma | Yes (no stick rockets) | 12 (under-12s only with an adult) | 15 Jun-6 Jul; 15 Dec-2 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | Within 500 ft of churches, schools, hospitals |
| Utah | Yes (no firecrackers, rockets) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 24 Jun-25 Jul; 29-31 Dec; Chinese New Year eve | Set dates, 11am-11pm (see note) | Fire-hazard areas may be closed locally |
More rules in Colorado
- CannabisGrowing at home: Up to 6 plants per person; 12 per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph business, 30 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (40 mph open mountain highways)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (minor licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade · Locking or one-handed knives: Only ballistic knives banned outright
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.16 per hour (2026)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes (adults: secondary enforcement) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not be served or buy)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.