LANSING — It’s almost time for those familiar July Fourth fireworks – the boom, the fizz-crackle and the ‘shroom of color cascading in the dark sky.
But there are some rules to remember as you anticipate lighting your own pyrotechnics.
“We prefer rules,” said Sean Conn, an attorney working for Big Fireworks and its West Grand River Avenue location in Watertown Township.
He said rule breakers are bad for the industry and the national holiday is not his favorite day of the year.
“No, I work on the Fourth of July,” he said. “My favorite day is July 5.”
Snakes, firecrackers, sparklers, and more are getting lit as the holiday approaches, but many fireworks are illegal in Michigan. And while fireworks are legal on private property, Michigan law sets rules on what times of year they can be.
Here are some general rules to know about which fireworks are illegal and when you use them, including policies in Lansing and surrounding communities.
What is state law?
Michigan law allows fireworks, regardless of local rules, on certain dates throughout the year, including:
What are are the rules in Lansing?
The City of Lansing’s fireworks ordinance lays out when fireworks can be lit.
Violation of the ordinance could mean a $1,000 fine per infraction.
What are the rules in East Lansing?
Official fireworks hours are as follows:
“State law requires fireworks only be ignited from personal property,” the city’s website explains. “This means even on the days surrounding the holidays, it is illegal to ignite fireworks on public property (including streets and sidewalks), school property, church property or another person’s property without their express permission.”
Igniting consumer fireworks including including bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles during time periods not permitted in the city code could result in an infraction with a fine of $1,000 for each violation. Each consumer firework discharged in violation of the code constitutes a separate offense.
What are the rules in Meridian Township?
Fireworks hours are:
Saturday and Sunday immediately before Memorial Day, from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on each day
June 29 to July 4: From 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on each day
July 5: Only if that date falls on a Friday or Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day, from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on each day.
New Year’s Day: From 11 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1
“Consumer Fireworks can be used on an individuals own property, during the days and times mentioned and as long as the individuals are not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol,” the city’s website says. “Also, Sky Lanterns are prohibited.”
Fines of no more than $500 and $1,000 are possible for violators of the township’s fireworks rules.
What are the rules in Delhi Township?
The ignition, discharge, and use of consumer fireworks is allowed after 11 a.m. on the following days:
For the New Year: Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Memorial Day: The Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding the holiday until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
July 5: If that date is a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m.
Labor Day: The Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding the holiday until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
“Consumer fireworks shall not be ignited, discharged, or used on any other day not prescribed above,” the township code says. “Homemade fireworks shall not be discharged in Delhi Charter Township at any time.”
Fireworks violations risk $1,000 fines.
What are the rules in Delta Township?
Fireworks are allowed after 11 a.m. on the following days:
“You may not launch any fireworks from a property that is not your own unless you have permission from the property owner,” the township’s website says.
Fines of up to $500 and $1,000 are possible for fireworks violations.
What are Michigan’s rules regarding fireworks?
The fireworks must be set off on personal property. They can’t be set off on public property, including including at schools, churches or on sidewalks. Violating the state law is punishable by a fine up to $500.
Aerial fireworks, including Roman candles and bottle rockets, are not allowed at Michigan state parks, on trails and or at harbors. Smaller fireworks, like party poppers, snappers/drop pops, snakes, smoke bombs, sparklers and ground spinners, are permitted, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said.
What kinds of fireworks are illegal in Michigan?
Display fireworks, typically referred to as 1.3G, are large and explosive items typically used for public display and are locally permitted for use by professionals.
Display fireworks include aerial shells, cakes, candles, and other display pieces that meet the definition of “display fireworks” according to federal law. They are not regulated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and require a federal explosives license or permit from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms for the specific activity.
Display fireworks include salutes containing more than 2 grains of explosive materials, aerial shells containing more than 40 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, and other display pieces which exceed the limits of explosive materials for classification as “consumer fireworks” as defined by federal law. It term also includes fused set pieces containing components which together exceed 50 mg of salute powder, the ATF says.
What kinds of fireworks are legal in Michigan?
There are a number of fireworks that are legal to sell, purchase and use in Michigan.
Consumer fireworks
Low impact fireworks
Novelty fireworks
Is an M-80 legal?
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, cherry bombs, M-80s, M-100s and silver salutes are all illegal.
“These items are extremely dangerous,” the Association warned, adding “fireworks made from mail order kits are illegal and dangerous.”
Can I set off fireworks on other dates?
Firework enthusiasts must check their local ordinance and possibly obtain a permit, according to state officials.
Some places in Michigan have less restrictive local ordinances that allow more time and days for fireworks.
Violations of local ordinances can result in a $1,000 civil fine.
Contact editor Susan Vela at svela@lsj.com or 248-873-7044. Follow her on Twitter @susanvela. Jalen Williams of the Detroit Free Press contributed.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: What fireworks are legal in Michigan, and on what days can they be set off legally?
Reporting by Susan Vela, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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