Fireworks in Maine (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Licensed sellers may sell consumer fireworks only to people aged 21 or over, and people under 21 may not purchase, use or possess them; missile-type rockets, sky and bottle rockets, helicopters and aerial spinners are not allowed. Use is allowed between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (until 12:30 a.m. around 4 July and 31 December) and only on the user's own property or with the owner's consent. Municipalities may restrict or prohibit sale and use.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 21 years [1] |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 21 years [1] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only licensed sellers, in permanent stand-alone buildings used only for consumer fireworks; no sale season is stated in the statute. [1] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; on July 4, December 31 and the weekends before and after them, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. [1] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only on the user's own property or on property of a person who has consented; municipal ordinances may prohibit or restrict use. [1] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Third-party-certified consumer fireworks are allowed, except missile-type rockets, helicopters and aerial spinners, and sky rockets and bottle rockets. [2] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | A municipality may adopt an ordinance to prohibit or restrict the sale or use of consumer fireworks, and may require a municipal permit to sell them. [1] |
| Hours when they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; on 4 July, 31 December and the weekends immediately before and after those dates, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. the following day. [1] |
Notes
- Consumer fireworks are defined by reference to 27 CFR 555.11 and exclude missile-type rockets, helicopters and aerial spinners, and sky rockets and bottle rockets. Other fireworks may not be possessed or sold without a permit (8 MRS §222, §223).
- The statute names no sale season. Sale is limited to licensed sellers in permanent, fixed, stand-alone buildings dedicated to consumer fireworks (8 MRS §223-A(4)).
- On July 4, December 31 and the weekends immediately before and after those dates, use is allowed from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. the following day. A civil fine of $50 to $500 applies to a violation of this subsection.
- Municipalities may adopt ordinances prohibiting or restricting the sale or use of consumer fireworks (8 MRS §223-A(2)).
Sources
- Maine Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 8, §223-A: Sale of consumer fireworks (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Maine Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Title 8, §221-A: Definitions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Maine 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | Yes (licensed stores; 21+) | 21 | Licensed stores only | 9am-10pm (to 12:30am some dates) | Own/consented property; local bans |
| New Hampshire | Yes (permissible fireworks, licensed sellers) | 21 (18+ if on active duty) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Private property only; towns may ban |
More rules in Maine
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 6 mature, 12 immature plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 45 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (with driver education) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2 and 3 · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 2 and 3
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed 'dangerous' knives barred; folding not named · Locking or one-handed knives: Former "dangerous knife" ban repealed (2015)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.10 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed, drivers 18+ with full licence
- 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 (a minor is under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (a minor is under 21)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00 (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.