Fireworks in New Jersey (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: New Jersey permits ground-based, non-aerial sparkling devices and novelties. Aerial consumer fireworks are prohibited except in permitted public displays.
| 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) | Aerial consumer fireworks are prohibited in New Jersey except as part of a permitted public fireworks display: sky rockets and bottle rockets, firecrackers, reloadable shell devices and Roman candles, aerials, and single-tube devices with a report. [1] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only sparkling devices and novelties may be sold to and used by the public: wood-stick or wire sparklers (up to 100 g each), hand-held or ground-based non-explosive, non-aerial sparkling devices, snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers and toy caps. [2] |
Notes
- Ground-based, non-aerial sparkling devices and novelties (sparklers, snakes, smoke devices, party poppers, ground devices up to 500 g in total) may be sold and used. The Fire Code definition says their sale and utilisation is permitted at all times. Aerial consumer fireworks are prohibited except in a permitted public display.
Sources
- New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety: Ground Based Sparkling Devices & Novelties Are Now Legal in New Jersey (flyer, PDF; Internet Archive snapshot of 16 January 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety: New Jersey Fire Code (International Fire Code 2015, New Jersey Edition): definitions and Section 5609, February 2019 update (Internet Archive snapshot of 16 January 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New Jersey 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 Jersey | No (ground sparkling devices only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Aerial fireworks banned (public displays only) |
| 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 |
| New York | No (sparklers/ground devices only) | 18 (sparkling devices) | — | — | Fireworks banned; NYC bans sparklers |
| Pennsylvania | Yes, 18+ (licensed sale outlets) | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not within 150 ft of a building or vehicle |
More rules in New Jersey
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Not allowed
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (35 mph low-density districts) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (special learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Licensed and registered · Minimum age: 15 years
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not listed; "manifestly appropriate" test · Locking or one-handed knives: Banned without explainable lawful purpose
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.92 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (primary offence) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes (adults in the back: secondary law)
- 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: Any alcohol, under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.