PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Folks here in central Pennsylvania are preparing for Memorial Day weekend.
While some may spark up their grill, others may be sparking up fireworks.
Pennsylvania officials recommend folks get familiar with updated fireworks laws here in the Commonwealth.
Anyone over the age of 18 here in Pennsylvania can purchase and use Class “C” or consumer grade fireworks. These include: firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets, and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material.
Consumer fireworks do not include "ground and hand-held sparkling devices", "novelties" and "toy caps."
To use display fireworks, which contain more than 130 milligrams of explosive materials and professional grade aerial shells, users must be professionals with a permit in the municipality where the display will take place.
Additional restrictions on fireworks usage include:
- They cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without the express permission of the property owner.
- They cannot be discharged from within a motor vehicle or building.
- They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.
- They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure, whether or not a person is actually present.
- They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.
- Municipalities may restrict the use of consumer fireworks between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. except:
- July 2, 3, 4 and Dec. 31, when they may be used until 1 a.m.
Officials urge residents to check with their local municipalities for applicable local ordinances to ensure a fun and safe Memorial Day fireworks show.