Fireworks in Washington (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Washington allows consumer fireworks to be sold from 28 June to 5 July and from 27 to 31 December and let off on set dates and hours, and sale to anyone under 16 is unlawful. Cities and counties may limit or prohibit sale and use, and fireworks may not be set off in forest or brush land from 15 April to 1 December without a permit.
| 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] |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Noon to 11 p.m. on 28 June; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. from 29 June to 4 July; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on 5 July; and noon to 11 p.m. from 27 to 31 December. [1] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Noon to 11 p.m. on 28 June; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. from 29 June to 3 July; 9 a.m. to midnight on 4 July; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on 5 July; and from 6 p.m. on 31 December to 1 a.m. on 1 January. [1] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Fireworks may not be set off in forest, fallow, grass or brush-covered land between 15 April and 1 December without a written permit from the Department of Natural Resources. Cities and counties may limit or prohibit the sale, purchase, possession or use of consumer fireworks. [1] |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Consumer fireworks (1.4G) may be sold to the public, but not sky rockets, missile-type rockets, firecrackers, salutes or chasers (except as provided in RCW 70.77.311). [1] |
| Hours when they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Noon to 11 p.m. on 28 June; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. from 29 June to 3 July; 9 a.m. to midnight on 4 July; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on 5 July; 6 p.m. on 31 December to 1 a.m. on 1 January. [1] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Cities and counties may limit or prohibit the sale, purchase, possession or use of consumer fireworks; an ordinance stricter than state law takes effect no sooner than one year after adoption. [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. Sky rockets, missile-type rockets, firecrackers, salutes and chasers may not be sold to the public as consumer fireworks (RCW 70.77.401). No licence or permit is required to possess or use consumer fireworks lawfully bought at retail (RCW 70.77.255(4)).
- A city or county ordinance more restrictive than state law takes effect no sooner than one year after its adoption (RCW 70.77.250(4)).
Sources
- Washington State Legislature: Revised Code of Washington, Chapter 70.77 (Fireworks) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | Yes (no rockets, firecrackers) | 16 | 28 Jun-5 Jul; 27-31 Dec | 28 Jun-5 Jul; 31 Dec 6pm-1am | Not in brush/forest 15 Apr-1 Dec; local bans |
| Idaho | Yes (non-aerial only, set dates) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 23 Jun-5 Jul and 26 Dec-1 Jan | 23 Jun-5 Jul and 26 Dec-1 Jan | Severe fire-threat areas; not at vehicles/people |
| Oregon | Non-aerial retail fireworks only | ⚠ Not yet verified | 23 Jun-6 Jul | No state time limit | Local bans possible |
More rules in Washington
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Prohibited (medical patients: 6 plants)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph county; 60 mph state
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 if in driver training; otherwise 15.5
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Allowed unless intimidating or alarming · Locking or one-handed knives: Spring blade banned; assisted opening not
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.13 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.