Fireworks in Delaware (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Fireworks are prohibited except under a display permit. Sparklers, ground-based non-aerial sparkling devices, snakes, smoke devices and trick noisemakers are not treated as fireworks: they may be sold only to people aged 18 or over, in the 30 days before the days of allowed use, and used only on 4 July, the third day of Diwali, 31 December and 1 January.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | No [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 18 years [1] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | The excepted items (sparklers and similar non-aerial devices) may be sold only in the 30 days before and including the days of allowed use. [1] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | The excepted items may be used only on 4 July, the third day of Diwali, 31 December and 1 January. [1] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only sparklers (up to 100 g), non-explosive, non-aerial handheld or ground sparkling devices (up to 75 g per tube, 500 g for multiple tubes), snakes, glow worms, smoke devices and small trick noisemakers. Firecrackers, rockets, Roman candles and other fireworks need a display permit. [1] |
Notes
- The age, sale and use rules apply to the items excepted from the term fireworks in section 6901(c): wood stick or wire sparklers, hand-held or ground-based non-explosive and non-aerial sparkling devices of limited composition, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices and trick noisemakers. The category shown is the closest available label.
Sources
- Delaware General Assembly: Delaware Code Title 16, Chapter 69 Fireworks, section 6901 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Delaware 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | No (sparklers and similar excepted) | 18 (sparklers and similar items) | 30 days before allowed use days | 4 July, Diwali (day 3), 31 Dec, 1 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maryland | No (permit only; sparklers excepted) | — | Not without a permit | — | Permit needed to discharge |
| New Jersey | No (ground sparkling devices only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Aerial fireworks banned (public displays only) |
| Pennsylvania | Yes, 18+ (licensed sale outlets) | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not within 150 ft of a building or vehicle |
More rules in Delaware
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal, 21+, within limits · Growing at home: No home growing
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph business, 20-25 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph (2-lane roads)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (Class D after 12 months on a permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (Level 1 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: Closed pocketknife up to 3.75 in is not a deadly weapon · Locking or one-handed knives: Deadly weapon; separate offence repealed 2025
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- 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, all seats (16+) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats (16+)
- 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 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- 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.