Fireworks in Maryland (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Maryland law treats 1.3G and 1.4G fireworks as fireworks that may be discharged or sold only with a State Fire Marshal permit, which does not override local ordinances. Sparklers without chlorates or perchlorates, certain ground-based non-aerial sparkling devices, snappers and snakes are excluded from the definition.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | No [1] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Fireworks may not be sold without a permit issued by the State Fire Marshal. [1] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Fireworks may be discharged only under a State Fire Marshal permit, which does not override local ordinances. [2] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only items excluded from the definition of fireworks: sparklers without chlorates or perchlorates, non-aerial, non-explosive ground-based sparkling devices, small paper snappers, snakes and toy caps. Firecrackers, rockets, Roman candles and other fireworks need a State Fire Marshal permit. [3] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | A State Fire Marshal permit does not authorise possessing or discharging fireworks in breach of an ordinance or regulation of the county or municipality, and local licences may also be required. [4] |
Notes
- The definition of fireworks (§10-101(f)) includes 1.4G fireworks such as Roman candles, sky rockets with sticks and mines or shells. It excludes sparklers without chlorates or perchlorates, ground-based nonaerial and nonexplosive sparkling devices labelled to CPSC requirements, toy caps, snappers and snakes. Local laws of individual counties were not read and may differ.
- Permits are issued by the State Fire Marshal for supervised discharge (§10-103, §10-104); a permit does not override local ordinances. Penalty: misdemeanour, fine up to $250 for possession or discharge and up to $1,000 for sale (§10-111).
Sources
- Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services: Public Safety Article §10-110 Discharge and sale prohibited without permit (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services: Public Safety Article §10-104 Permit to discharge fireworks (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Maryland General Assembly, Department of Legislative Services: Public Safety Article §10-101 Definitions (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Maryland General Assembly: Maryland Code, Public Safety Article, section 10-103 Permit to discharge fireworks (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Maryland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | No (permit only; sparklers excepted) | — | Not without a permit | — | Permit needed to discharge |
| District of Columbia | No (fountains, cones, sparklers only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Exploding and aerial fireworks illegal |
| 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 |
| Pennsylvania | Yes, 18+ (licensed sale outlets) | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not within 150 ft of a building or vehicle |
| 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 Maryland
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 2 plants per household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (35 divided residential) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 yrs 9 mths (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Penknife without switchblade is not a "weapon" · Locking or one-handed knives: Listed weapon; sale or display is banned
- 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 (no hand use) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and front passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes; police enforce only as secondary action (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: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.