Fireworks in Vermont (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Vermont prohibits using, possessing or exploding fireworks without a display permit, and selling them without federal and municipal permits. Small hand-held sparklers and listed novelties are outside the definition of fireworks.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | No [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| 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 |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | It is unlawful to use, possess or explode fireworks unless the person holds a permit to display fireworks, and to sell, offer for sale or possess fireworks unless the person holds permits from both the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the municipality. Selling hand-held sparklers to a minor is also prohibited. [1] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only sparklers, which are excluded from 'fireworks': hand-held wire or wood sparklers under 14 inches with no more than 20 grams of mixture, and snakes, party poppers, glow worms, smoke devices, string poppers, snappers and drop pops, all complying with US Consumer Product Safety Commission rules. Other fireworks need a display permit. [2] |
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. Sparklers as defined in § 3131 (hand-held wire or wood sparklers under 14 inches with no more than 20 grams of pyrotechnic mixture, and snakes, party poppers, glow worms, smoke devices, string poppers, snappers and drop pops with no more than 0.25 grains) are not "fireworks" under the chapter. Selling hand-held sparklers to a minor is unlawful (§ 3132(a)(4)).
Sources
- Vermont General Assembly: Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 20, § 3132, Prohibitions; permits (Internet Archive snapshot of 1 July 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Vermont General Assembly: 20 V.S.A. 3131 Definitions (Internet Archive snapshot of 6 December 2025) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | No (sparklers excluded) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned (display permits only) |
| Massachusetts | No (sparklers included) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned statewide (permitted displays only) |
| New Hampshire | Yes (permissible fireworks, licensed sellers) | 21 (18+ if on active duty) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Private property only; towns may ban |
| New York | No (sparklers/ground devices only) | 18 (sparkling devices) | — | — | Fireworks banned; NYC bans sparklers |
More rules in Vermont
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ · Growing at home: Up to 2 mature, 4 immature plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 mph max; local 25 mph or more · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (junior operator's licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence only with intent to injure
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $14.42 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.