Fireworks in New Mexico (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: New Mexico allows retail sale of listed permissible fireworks, including aerial devices, from permitted retail locations, and sale to children under 16 is unlawful. Sales are limited to set periods around 4 July, New Year, Chinese New Year, 16 September and Cinco de Mayo, and fireworks may not be sold or used on state forest land, wildlands or a bosque.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 16 years [1] |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 20 June to 6 July, the six days up to and including 1 January, the three days up to and including Chinese New Year, 16 September and 5 May. Tourism-focused permanent stores may sell all year. [1] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Not on state forest land, wildlands or a bosque; not within 150 feet of a fireworks retail location; not from or at a motor vehicle or at or near people. Drought proclamations may ban or restrict use. [1] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Permissible fireworks include ground and hand-held sparkling devices, aerial devices (reloadable shell kits, aerial spinners, helicopters, mines, missile-type rockets, multiple-tube devices, Roman candles, shells, stick rockets) and ground audible devices (chasers, firecrackers). Not permitted: small stick rockets (under 5/8 inch by 3.5 inches) and devices with more than 130 mg of explosive per report. [1] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | A municipality or county may not by ordinance regulate and prohibit the sale or use of permissible fireworks other than aerial devices and ground audible devices. In extreme or severe drought, a municipality's proclamation must ban the sale and use of missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, stick-type rockets and ground audible devices in the affected area. [1] |
Notes
- Permissible fireworks are listed in NMSA 60-2C-7 (ground and hand-held sparkling devices, aerial devices, chasers and firecrackers); stick-type rockets below a size threshold and louder audible devices are not permissible. All other fireworks may not be possessed or used (60-2C-5).
- Permanent retail stores whose primary business is tourism may sell all year. The 'new year's day' period is the six days preceding and including 1 January; the Chinese New Year period is the three days preceding and including that day.
- Municipalities and counties may not prohibit the sale or use of permissible fireworks other than aerial devices and ground audible devices (60-2C-7(C)). In declared extreme or severe drought, they must ban missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, stick-type rockets and ground audible devices and may restrict other fireworks (60-2C-8.1).
Sources
- New Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource): New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978, Chapter 60 Business Licenses, Article 2C Fireworks Licensing and Safety Act (sections 60-2C-1 to 60-2C-11) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New Mexico 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 Mexico | Yes (permissible fireworks incl. aerial) | 16 | Set periods (4 July, New Year, Cinco de Mayo) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not on wildlands; drought bans |
| Arizona | Yes (ground devices only) | 16 | Local limits: windows around holidays | Local limits: windows; not 11pm to 8am | Cities may ban; parks and preserves |
| Colorado | Yes (permissible fireworks only) | 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Cities and counties may ban or restrict |
| Oklahoma | Yes (no stick rockets) | 12 (under-12s only with an adult) | 15 Jun-6 Jul; 15 Dec-2 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | Within 500 ft of churches, schools, hospitals |
| Texas | Yes (no bottle rockets) | 16 | 24 Jun-4 Jul; 20 Dec-1 Jan (+ county periods) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Within 600 ft of churches, schools, hospitals |
More rules in New Mexico
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 12 plants, 6 mature
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 75 mph (55 mph unposted county roads)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15½ (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed deadly weapon barred; knives not named · Locking or one-handed knives: Auto-opening knives barred
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $12.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- 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%
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.