What Fireworks Are Legal in Michigan?

Fourth of July is the one time of year Americans go out in masses with friends and family to huddle together, eyes set to the skies, to admire the burst and flare of of fireworks. States differ on whether fireworks are allowed and, if so, what types are allowed. No matter what, remember to take safety seriously this Fourth of July. These are dangerous explosives and flammable materials, so you should be prepared before purchasing them and setting them off.

It used to be that only handheld, ground-based, and novelty fireworks were allowed by the general public in Michigan. Only trained, licensed professionals could put on displays.

Legal Firework Types in Michigan

In 2011, all that changed, and the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act greatly expanded the kinds of fireworks people can buy and use. Now celebrators in Michigan can purchase and set off the following types of fireworks:

Legal Consumer Fireworks

• Aerials
• Bottle rockets / sky rockets
• Reloadable shell device
• Roman candles
• Firecrackers
• Missile type rockets
• Single tube devices with report
• helicopter aerial spinners

Legal Low Impact Fireworks

• Sparkling wheel devices
• Ground sparkling devices, including ball and disks and cylindricals
• Smoke devices, including cylindricals, California smoke candles, and smoke cores
• Ground-based or handheld sparklers, including sparklers and sparkler trees, cylindrical, cone, square, and California rocket

Novelties

• Snappers and drop pops
• Snakes
• Party poppers
• Smoke balls
• Sparkling devices

Fireworks Safety Act of 2011: Expanding Use, but Still Check Local Ordinances

So why did Michigan expand use of fireworks? Did Michigan lawmakers decide, "What better way to celebrate independence (and fun) on Independence Day than to be free to set off a wider range of shape, color, and size of fireworks?" No. Like many things, you can follow the money trail to figure out the rationale for various courses of action chosen over others. Michigan needed more revenue, and expanding the market for commercial fireworks was one way to do it. In addition to extra sales tax revenue, vendors would charge a 6% safety fee that would be earmarked to train firemen. More revenue comes in directly through vendors because they must pay fees to obtain a permit to sell fireworks.

When Can You Set Off Fireworks in Michigan?

The Act states that you can set them off the day before, the day of, and the day after a national holiday. Check your local ordinances for more specific rules on setting off fireworks. Any use that falls outside of local ordinances and state law will be illegal. Some ordinances will restrict you to your own property and others will give you times for permissible use. Contact the Fire Marshall's office or police station for a copy of your local ordinance.

Who Can Purchase Fireworks?

You can purchase fireworks if you are 18 years old or older, but you cannot use them while under the influence of alcohol or drugs for obvious reasons. So have a safe holiday and practice safety and caution when operating fireworks. They are still inherently dangerous, even if legal. Don't endanger yourself or others carelessly. Keep in mind that even if you purchase them legally, you don't want them getting into the wrong hands, for example, intoxicated loved ones or friends.

Safety First: Negligence Can Risk Injuries

We can never forget that fireworks are dangerous, and we should think of the safety of ourselves and the people around us. Although hopefully all of you will be safe this Fourth of July, you should always be as prepared as you can be. Here are some tips for having a safe Fourth of July holiday:

• Have a fire extinguisher and bucket of water nearby.
• Do not wear loose clothing. To prevent accidental burns, wear long sleeves and pants if you are lighting fireworks.
• Use appropriate eye protection.
• Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Ignite fireworks outside and away from the house, garage or other buildings.
• When setting off fireworks, choose a hard, flat surface in an open area. Stay away from dry grassy areas.
• Never ignite fireworks inside any container, glass bottle or metal cylinders.
• Never experiment with fireworks, especially around vehicles that may contain residual flammable liquids, for example, gasoline, propane, or butane.
• Never try to re-light fireworks that malfunction.
• If a firework does not go off, stay away, Don't get close to check it.
• Light fireworks one at a time
• Have a first aid kit with you.
• Also, if you are simply going to watch fireworks get set off, then remember to keep a safe distance.

What If I or My Child was Injured by a Fireworks Display?

Anyone who uses fireworks — from companies who set off professional Fourth of July displays to your neighbor — has to follow the law and take precautions. In fact, most professional displays need to submit an application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and be insured in case of accidents. If someone was negligent in setting off fireworks and you or a loved one is injured, you likely can seek compensation from them: you deserve help with medical bills and other compensation if someone else's use of fireworks hurt you or your kids.

Sachs Waldman is a personal injury law firm based out of Detroit, Michigan. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced litigators in the courtroom and will fight for the compensation you deserve. We handle negligence cases routinely in and around the Greater Detroit area. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation at (313) 965-3464.