Speak Up! - View Question #215

« LawForKids.org home page | « Go back to speak up question #215

Question: Why are fireworks illegal in some states but they are not in other states?

Answer:

Laws can be made at several different levels of government. For instance, there are national laws that apply to all residents of the U.S., there are state laws that only apply to people in a specific state, and there are local laws which apply to only people in a city or town.

In the case of fireworks, states have the jurisdiction to make laws regulating the sale of fireworks or banning their use altogether.

Some states next to each other might have different laws regarding fireworks, making it possible to cross the state border to buy them legally.

Be careful though, because even if you purchased fireworks legally in one state, you are still subject to the laws in the state that you are in. So you can still get in trouble for letting off fireworks if it is against the law in your state. For more information about fireworks in different states, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision online.


Comments
1 thru 5 of 61 comments
On 05/19/09
from PA said:
I have found that when used properly, fireworks are one of the safest forms of entertainment. They should not be outright illegal like they are in New Jersy. It is idiots that shoot them at each other and at peoples stuff, instead of in the air where they are supposed to go, that ruin it for everybody else. It's these ultra liberals that are passing these laws, to protect kids, and I don't blame them for trying, but a study in 2004 showed that a kid is 5 times more likely to be sent to the emergency room for a pencil accident that a fireworks accedent.
On 06/30/08
Kim from NY said:
Fireworks are suppose to be fun. Just because there are some babies out there who are scared by the sounds they make doesn't mean it scares everyone. I grew up lighting fireworks and could not wait for the 4th every year. As long as you have common sense and watch your kids I think fireworks at least ground ones should be legal. I just moved to a state where they are illegal and this 4th is not going to be the same.
On 12/22/07
andrew from VA said:
makeing firecackers illegal is stupid.. guns are more dangerous and they dont out law them. there could be licences to get fireworks. that would make it safer. i have have been deprived of getting to lite a cherry bomb, and i want to. and it is the politions falt. forget about the frog use a polition. [:
On 07/04/07
ablais from Othr said:
Here is a list of what states ban what. http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/012.html
On 07/10/06
Carolyn from NJ said:
I'm glad I live in New Jersey; all I had to do was call the police when my neighbors started to shoot off sparklers. The firecrackers scare the heck out of my pets.I can't imagine how people can stand it living in a state where they are legal. The government should ban them in all states.
1 thru 5 of 61 comments



Read more about the law and Other
Related Stories
Related Laws
« LawForKids.org home page | « Go back to speak up question #215