Fireworks in Rhode Island (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Rhode Island allows ground-based and hand-held non-aerial fireworks, and novelties, to be stored, possessed, sold, transported and used at all times by people aged 16 or over. Display fireworks and aerial consumer fireworks need permits.
| 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) | 16 years [1] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | No seasonal limit: sale of the permitted non-aerial items is allowed at all times. [1] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | No seasonal limit: use of the permitted non-aerial items is allowed at all times. [1] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only ground-based and hand-held sparkling devices (fountains, torches, wheels, ground spinners, flitter sparklers) and novelties (party poppers, snappers, smoke devices, snakes, wire sparklers, dipped sticks), for people aged 16 or over. Aerial consumer fireworks and display fireworks need a permit. [1] |
Notes
- 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. Only the ground-based and hand-held (non-aerial) devices and novelties listed in the section are open to the public without a permit; aerial consumer fireworks (class 1.4G, UN0336) and display fireworks need permits.
Sources
- Rhode Island General Assembly: Rhode Island General Laws § 11-13-1, Sale, use or possession of fireworks (Internet Archive snapshot of 31 March 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Rhode Island 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | Non-aerial items only | 16 | Any time (non-aerial items) | Any time (non-aerial items) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| 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 York | No (sparklers/ground devices only) | 18 (sparkling devices) | — | — | Fireworks banned; NYC bans sparklers |
More rules in Rhode Island
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 3 mature + 3 immature plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph day, 45 mph night
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (limited instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed: 3 in blade limit
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · 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
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.