Fireworks in South Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: South Dakota permits consumer fireworks. Retail sales are allowed from 27 June to 5 July and from 28 December to 1 January, and use from 27 June to the first Sunday after 4 July and from 28 December to 1 January. Sale and use are barred in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District and on listed public land, and counties may restrict use in extreme fire danger.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Retail sales only from 27 June to 5 July and from 28 December to 1 January, and not between midnight and 7 a.m. [1] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Consumer fireworks may be used only from 27 June to the first Sunday after 4 July and from 28 December to 1 January. [1] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | No sale or use within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District (use is also barred within 300 feet beyond its boundary), or within a national forest, national park, state forest or Game, Fish and Parks land without written authorisation. No ignition within 300 feet of a retail location. A county may regulate or prohibit use outside municipalities when grassland fire danger is extreme, from 20 June to 2 July and from 28 December to 1 January. [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only consumer fireworks listed in Chapter 3 of APA Standard 87-1 (2001 edition) that meet US Consumer Product Safety Commission labelling rules; other fireworks need Department of Public Safety approval or a display permit. [1] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | A county may by resolution regulate or prohibit fireworks use outside municipalities when the grassland fire danger index reaches 'extreme' between 20 June and 2 July or between 28 December and 1 January. [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. Permissible fireworks are the consumer fireworks listed in chapter 3 of APA Standard 87-1 (2001 edition) that meet the labelling rules of 16 C.F.R. 1507 (§ 34-37-5).
- Smoke effects that do not fly, single-shot parachute pieces without a flare, and novelties are not subject to the sales and use periods (§ 34-37-16.2). Sellers and their employees must be 18 or over (§ 34-37-2.1); the chapter sets no buyer age.
Sources
- South Dakota Legislature: South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 34-37 (Fireworks) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
South 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Iowa | Yes (consumer fireworks) | 18 | 1 Jun-8 Jul, 10 Dec-3 Jan (tents 13 Jun-8 Jul) | 1 Jun-8 Jul, 10 Dec-3 Jan; 9am-10pm | Own or consenting owner's land; local limits |
| 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 |
| North Dakota | Limited list of items only | 12 | 27 Jun-5 Jul; 26 Dec-1 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nebraska | Yes (licensed sellers) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 24 Jun-5 Jul; 28 Dec-1 Jan | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in South Dakota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour up to 2 oz)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph unposted · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph; 55 mph township roads
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (operator's licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class III: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only concealment with felony intent
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.85 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (calls allowed) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only passengers aged 5 to 17
- 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+ (purchase, possess, consume) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+ (purchase, possess, consume)
- 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.