Fireworks in South Carolina (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: South Carolina regulates consumer fireworks that meet federal standards and bans the retail sale and use of small bottle rockets. Fireworks may not be sold to anyone under 16, and owners can create posted fireworks-prohibited zones.
| 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] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Fireworks may not be knowingly and wilfully discharged from, in or into a posted Fireworks Prohibited Zone. An owner, lessee or managing authority creates a zone by filing an agreement with local law enforcement and posting signs, and a local governing body may extend a zone onto adjoining public land for up to 500 feet. [2] |
| 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 |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Consumer fireworks that meet US Department of Transportation and Consumer Product Safety Commission standards may be sold and used. Retail sale and use of small bottle rockets are not legal. [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. Retail sale and use of small bottle rockets are not legal (§ 40-56-220(C)). It is unlawful to possess fireworks with more than two grains of pyrotechnic composition designed to produce a loud and piercing effect, such as ground salutes, cherry bombs and M-80s (§ 23-35-130(A)).
Sources
- South Carolina Legislative Services Agency: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 40, Chapter 56 (State Board of Pyrotechnic Safety) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- South Carolina Legislative Services Agency: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 23, Chapter 35 (Fireworks and Explosives) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
South Carolina 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | Yes (no small bottle rockets) | 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Posted prohibited zones |
| Georgia | Yes (licensed sellers, 18+) | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | 10:00-23:59 daily; noise ordinances apply | Not indoors or on road/railroad rights of way |
| North Carolina | No (sparklers and novelties only) | 16 (sparklers and novelties only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned statewide (sparklers and novelties excepted) |
More rules in South Carolina
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (conditional licence, daylight only) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (beginner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: No general rule; limits at schools · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No state minimum wage · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 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
- 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.