Fireworks in North Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: North Dakota prohibits fireworks except a list of small items (such as fountains, sparklers, wheels and small soft-shell firecrackers) that licensed retailers may sell from 27 June to 5 July and from 26 December to 1 January to people aged 12 or over. Cities may regulate or prohibit the sale and use of fireworks.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 12 years [1] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Retail sale of the permitted items only from 27 June to 5 July and from 26 December to 1 January, by licensed retailers. [1] |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer 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) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only the items listed in state law may be sold to the public: small star lights, helicopter flyers, fountains, wheels, torches and coloured fire, sparklers, small comets or shells with built-in mortar (no report), small soft-shell firecrackers and whistles without report, each within set weight limits. All other fireworks are banned except at permitted displays. [1] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | The governing body of a municipality may regulate and prohibit the use or sale of firecrackers and fireworks. [2] |
Notes
- Only the items listed in § 23-15-01(2) may be sold at retail (such as fountains, wheels, torches, sparklers, comets and shells with an integral mortar up to 40 g, soft-shell firecrackers up to 50 mg and whistles without report). § 23-15-02 prohibits all other fireworks, including their use, except as provided in the chapter. State law does not use the European categories F1 to F4. "Yes" here means that state law lets the public buy and use consumer fireworks (the class 1.4G devices regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission) beyond sparklers and novelties.
Sources
- North Dakota Legislative Council: North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 23-15 (Fireworks) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- North Dakota Legislative Branch: North Dakota Century Code chapter 40-05 Powers of municipalities (section 40-05-01) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
North Dakota 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | Limited list of items only | 12 | 27 Jun-5 Jul; 26 Dec-1 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minnesota | No (sparklers/ground devices only) | 18 (sparklers etc.) | — | — | Excluded items: not on public property |
| Montana | Yes (permissible fireworks) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 24 Jun-5 Jul; 29-31 Dec | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not in state parks/forests; not near vehicles |
| South Dakota | Yes | ⚠ Not yet verified | 27 Jun-5 Jul; 28 Dec-1 Jan | 27 Jun-Sunday after 4 Jul; 28 Dec-1 Jan | Black Hills, public land, 300 ft of stores |
More rules in North Dakota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Infraction under 1/2 oz (fine only) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph; 65 mph if posted
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (restricted licence at 15) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named if blade under 6 in · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade/gravity knives named
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-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% · 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.