Fireworks in New York (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Fireworks and dangerous fireworks may not be sold, possessed or used in New York without a permit, but ground-based and hand-held sparkling devices are outside the definition except in cities of one million or more people. Selling or furnishing fireworks or sparkling devices to anyone under 18 is a misdemeanour.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | No [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 18 years [1] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Possession or use of fireworks is a violation unless permitted; sparkling devices are treated as fireworks in cities of 1,000,000 or more people. [1] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Outside cities of one million or more people (New York City), sparkling devices are not treated as fireworks: ground-based or hand-held fountains and sparklers that do not rise into the air, fire projectiles or explode, plus listed novelties. All other consumer fireworks are banned without a display permit. [1] |
Notes
- Aerial and exploding consumer items fall under 'fireworks' or 'dangerous fireworks' and need a permit under Penal Law §405.00. Sparkling devices (ground-based or hand-held, spark, flame, crackle, whistle or smoke effects, within the composition limits in §270.00(1)(a)(vi)) are not treated as fireworks outside cities of 1,000,000 or more people. Local laws were not read and may be stricter.
- The age limit is in §270.00(2)(a)(iv) and covers dangerous fireworks, fireworks and sparkling devices. The section sets no age limit for use or possession.
- In cities with a population of one million or more (New York City), sparkling devices are treated as fireworks (§270.00(1)(c)(iv)).
Sources
- New York State Senate (NY Consolidated Laws): Penal Law §270.00 Unlawful manufacture, disposal, sale and use of fireworks; justification and exemption (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
New York 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 York | No (sparklers/ground devices only) | 18 (sparkling devices) | — | — | Fireworks banned; NYC bans sparklers |
| Connecticut | No (sparklers excepted) | 16 (sparklers and fountains only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned statewide (display permits; sparklers excepted) |
| Massachusetts | No (sparklers included) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned statewide (permitted displays only) |
| New Jersey | No (ground sparkling devices only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Aerial fireworks banned (public displays only) |
| Pennsylvania | Yes, 18+ (licensed sale outlets) | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not within 150 ft of a building or vehicle |
| Rhode Island | Non-aerial items only | 16 | Any time (non-aerial items) | Any time (non-aerial items) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Vermont | No (sparklers excluded) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned (display permits only) |
More rules in New York
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 55 mph unless posted lower · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (junior licence; not valid in NYC) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16 years
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not listed; offence only with unlawful intent · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblades banned; gravity knives not listed
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.00 per hour (NYC, Long Island, Westchester)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · 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, back-seat passengers
- 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 (sales banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (sales banned)
- 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.