Fireworks in New Hampshire (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: New Hampshire allows 'permissible fireworks' (consumer fireworks except certain sparklers), sold by licensed sellers to people aged 21 or over. Use is limited to private property with the owner's consent, and municipalities may prohibit sale, display or possession.
| 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) | ⚠ 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) | Permissible fireworks may be displayed only on private property with the owner's written consent or in the owner's presence. A municipality may by local vote prohibit the sale, display or possession of permissible fireworks; sellers must post the list of such municipalities. [1] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Permissible fireworks are consumer fireworks as defined in 27 CFR 555.11, except items prohibited under RSA 160-B:16. People aged 21 or over may possess them and let them off on private property with the owner's written consent or in the owner's presence. [1] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Any town or city may vote to allow or prohibit, within its area, permits or licences to sell permissible fireworks and the display or possession of permissible fireworks. Sellers must post the state list of municipalities that prohibit them. [1] |
Notes
- 'Permissible fireworks' are consumer fireworks (27 CFR 555.11) except items prohibited under RSA 160-B:16 (class C sparklers and wire or stick sparklers containing chlorates or perchlorates). A seller needs a federal permit, a state licence and a local permit. Bottle rockets may be bought only with an appropriate launcher (RSA 160-C:12-a).
- A person 21 or older may possess permissible fireworks and display them on private property with the owner's written consent or in the owner's presence, except in a municipality that has voted to prohibit possession or display.
Sources
- New Hampshire General Court: New Hampshire RSA chapter 160-C, Permissible Fireworks (Internet Archive snapshot of 7 November 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New Hampshire 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Massachusetts | No (sparklers included) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned statewide (permitted displays only) |
| Maine | Yes (licensed stores; 21+) | 21 | Licensed stores only | 9am-10pm (to 12:30am some dates) | Own/consented property; local bans |
| Vermont | No (sparklers excluded) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned (display permits only) |
More rules in New Hampshire
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Violation: $100 fine up to 3/4 oz
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (45 mph on unimproved rural highway)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (youth operator licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (learning to drive, accompanied)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives not named in the carry offence · Locking or one-handed knives: Not named in the carry offence
- 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: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed (18+)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Under 18 only · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 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.