Fireworks in Wisconsin (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: In Wisconsin a user's permit from the municipality is needed to possess or use fireworks, and the permit states the dates and place of use and may not be issued to a minor. Fountains, sparklers and certain novelty devices are outside the definition, and cities, villages, towns and counties may prohibit or regulate fireworks by ordinance.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only on the date or dates and at the location specified in the user's permit issued by the municipality. [1] |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Use is limited to the permitted location. A city, village, town or county may prohibit or regulate the sale, possession or use of fireworks by ordinance, and the ordinance may not be less restrictive than the statute. [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 |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Without a permit, only items excluded from 'fireworks': stick or wire sparklers up to 36 inches, cylindrical and cone fountains (Division 1.4), smoke devices, ground spinners and other novelties, toy snakes and caps. All other fireworks need a user's permit from the city, village or town. [1] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | A city, village, town or county may by ordinance prohibit or regulate the sale, possession or use of fireworks, and may extend the ban to sparklers, fountains and other items the state exempts. Local rules may be stricter but not less strict than state law. [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. A person needs a user's permit from the mayor, village president or town chair to possess or use fireworks (§ 167.10(3)(a)). Items excluded from the definition (for example sparklers on a wire or stick up to 36 inches, cylindrical and cone fountains classed as Division 1.4 explosives, and novelty devices that spin or move on the ground) need no permit (§ 167.10(1)).
- A permit may not be issued to a minor (§ 167.10(3)(h)); the section does not itself define the age of a minor.
Sources
- Wisconsin Legislature: Wisconsin Statutes § 167.10, Regulation of fireworks (Internet Archive snapshot of 22 January 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Wisconsin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Yes, with a municipal permit | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Dates set in the permit | Per permit; local bans possible |
| 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 |
| Illinois | No (permitted displays only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned statewide (permitted displays only) |
| Michigan | Yes (consumer fireworks; licensed retail) | 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Local limits barred after 11am on 31 Dec, 29 Jun-4 Jul | Not on public or others' property without permission |
| Minnesota | No (sparklers/ground devices only) | 18 (sparklers etc.) | — | — | Excluded items: not on public property |
More rules in Wisconsin
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour, then felony) · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph; 35 mph outlying · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Knives excluded from concealed-carry ban · Locking or one-handed knives: Any knife excluded
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · 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: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.