Fireworks in Illinois (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Illinois prohibits possessing, selling and using consumer and display fireworks except for displays under a permit issued by the city, village or county. Sparklers, snakes, smoke devices, party poppers and similar novelties are not consumer fireworks and are allowed at all times.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | No [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| 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) | Possessing, offering for sale, selling at retail, using or exploding display fireworks, flame effects or consumer fireworks is unlawful, except for displays permitted by the city council, village board or county board. After a permit is granted, sale, possession and use for that display is lawful for that purpose only. [1] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Sparklers, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers such as party poppers and snappers, and toy caps may be sold and used at all times. Consumer (1.4G) fireworks may be used only for a permitted consumer display. [2] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | City councils, village and town boards and, outside their limits, county boards adopt the rules for granting permits for consumer and pyrotechnic displays. [1] |
Notes
- The Act makes it unlawful to knowingly possess, offer for sale, sell at retail or use any display fireworks, flame effects or consumer fireworks, except under a local permit for a pyrotechnic or consumer display. Sparklers, snakes, smoke devices, party poppers and cap devices are excluded from the definition of consumer fireworks.
Sources
- Illinois General Assembly: Pyrotechnic Use Act, 425 ILCS 35/2, Possession, sale, and use of fireworks (Internet Archive snapshot of 16 October 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Illinois General Assembly: Pyrotechnic Use Act, 425 ILCS 35/1, Definitions (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 November 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Illinois 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | No (permitted displays only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned statewide (permitted displays only) |
| Iowa | Yes (consumer fireworks) | 18 | 1 Jun-8 Jul, 10 Dec-3 Jan (tents 13 Jun-8 Jul) | 1 Jun-8 Jul, 10 Dec-3 Jan; 9am-10pm | Own or consenting owner's land; local limits |
| Indiana | Yes (sold by certified retailers) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Tent sales max. 45 days a year | Not 11pm-9am; local limits apply | Own or consenting owner's property |
| Kentucky | Yes (registered sellers) | 18 | 10 Jun-7 Jul; 26 Dec-4 Jan (seasonal) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Within 200 ft of buildings/people; local rules |
| Michigan | Yes (consumer fireworks; licensed retail) | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Local limits barred after 11am on 31 Dec, 29 Jun-4 Jul | Not on public or others' property without permission |
| Missouri | Yes (permitted retailers) | 14 (under 14 with parent) | Year-round (annual); seasonal 20 Jun-10 Jul, 20 Dec-2 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | 600 ft from schools etc.; local bans |
| Wisconsin | Yes, with a municipal permit | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Dates set in the permit | Per permit; local bans possible |
More rules in Illinois
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+ within limits · Growing at home: No (medical patients only)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (15 in alleys) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (initial licensing phase) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (permit, enrolled in driver education)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only with intent to use unlawfully · Locking or one-handed knives: Banned unless FOID holder or trade
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour (age 18+)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed (hands-free or one-button)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- 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: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.