Fireworks in Kentucky (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Consumer fireworks, including aerial devices, may be sold at retail to people aged 18 or over by registered sellers, with seasonal retailers selling between 10 June and 7 July and 26 December and 4 January. Aerial and similar items may be used only by people aged 18 or over, at least 200 feet from any structure, vehicle or person. Local governments may make ordinances on the sale and use of fireworks.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 18 years [2] |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 18 years [2] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Seasonal retailers may sell between 10 June and 7 July and between 26 December and 4 January, registered with the State Fire Marshal. [2] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Not within 200 feet of any structure, vehicle or other person; local ordinances may prohibit or restrict use and sale. [2] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Consumer (1.4G) fireworks as listed in the law, including sparklers, fountains and other ground devices as well as aerial devices such as mines and shells. Audible effects are limited to 50 mg of explosive composition for ground devices and 130 mg for aerial devices. [1] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | State law does not restrict local governments from making ordinances that affect the sale or use of fireworks. Using fireworks against a lawful local ordinance is not allowed. [3] |
Notes
- Consumer fireworks as defined in KRS 227.702 (CPSC-compliant, Division 1.4G). Display fireworks require a permit under KRS 227.710.
- The age, distance and local-ordinance conditions in KRS 227.715(11) apply to the items in KRS 227.702(2) and (3) (aerial and certain other devices). KRS 227.750(4) preserves local ordinances.
- The seasonal retailer window is the one defined in KRS 227.715(3). Permanent businesses open year-round whose fireworks sales are ancillary may sell only the items in KRS 227.702(1) (ground and hand-held sparkling devices) or must meet the seasonal retailer criteria.
Sources
- Kentucky Legislative Research Commission: KRS 227.702 Consumer fireworks defined (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Kentucky Legislative Research Commission: KRS 227.715 Requirements for sale of certain consumer fireworks (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Kentucky Legislative Research Commission: KRS 227.750 Seizure and sale of fireworks ... KRS 227.700 to 227.750 not to conflict with local ordinances (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Kentucky 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Illinois | No (permitted displays only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned statewide (permitted displays only) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Ohio | Yes, from licensed retailers | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Only on listed holidays | Private property only; local bans possible |
| Tennessee | Yes where county/city allows sale | 16 (16-17 need photo ID or an adult) | 20-30 May, 10 Jun-10 Jul, 1-10 Sep, 10 Dec-3 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | Some counties/cities ban sale; check locally |
| Virginia | No (only permissible fireworks) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Private property with owner's consent; local bans apply |
| West Virginia | Yes | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not without owner's permission; not from vehicles |
More rules in Kentucky
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Class B misdemeanour, max 45 days · Growing at home: No (licensed cultivators only)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Ordinary pocket knife: not a deadly weapon · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; "ordinary pocket knife" test
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting banned) · Hands-free use: Calls not restricted
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all occupants (vehicles built after 1981) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all occupants (vehicles built after 1981)
- 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 (purchase and possession) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (purchase and possession)
- 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.