July 4 is right around the corner and this year we are celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. And that kind of celebration deserves fireworks.
Before you light the firecrackers and bottle rockets, make sure you know what is and isn’t legal in Indiana.
Here’s what you should know in 2026 about what you can and can’t do with fireworks in Indiana, the penalties you could face (we’re talking felonies, here), as well as important safety tips to keep you out of the emergency room.
When can you set off fireworks in Indiana?
In the Hoosier State, it’s legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round unless a local ordinance says otherwise, according to the Indiana State Police. On certain holidays, such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve, that time extends to midnight.
Can my Indiana city or town limit when I set off fireworks on the Fourth of July?
There are 11 days near the Fourth of July — June 29 to July 9 — when local ordinances cannot prohibit Hoosiers from shooting off consumer fireworks in Indiana. They include these dates and times:
How old do you have to be to buy fireworks in Indiana?
You must be an adult, 18 or older, to buy fireworks in the Hoosier State. An adult, 18 or older, must also be present when children use or possess fireworks.
Can I shoot off fireworks from my backyard in Indiana?
According to state law, you can use fireworks only on your own property, the property of someone who has granted you permission to use fireworks, or a place designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal for the discharge of consumer fireworks.
What types of fireworks can I buy in Indiana?
Indiana recognizes two primary types of fireworks: consumer and display. Here’s what you need to know about both.
Are my fireworks illegal? Here’s how to tell
If you plan on purchasing fireworks to celebrate July 4th, buy from a reputable dealer. You should also watch out for the following warning signs when buying fireworks. They might be Illegal if:
If you spot any of these warning signs, don’t buy those fireworks. The Department of Homeland Security in Indiana advises you to report the seller to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at 1-888-283-2662.
Are cherry bombs illegal?
Yes, cherry bombs — round, red explosive devices 1″ in diameter and containing more than 50mg of powder — have been illegal in the U.S. since 1966. Other illegal fireworks that should be reported to law enforcement include M-80s, M-100s or silver salutes, M-250s, M-1000s or quarter sticks.
What is the penalty for misusing fireworks in Indiana?
Those who violate fireworks laws in Indiana can be charged with a class “C” infraction, according to the Indiana State Police. However, if a person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses fireworks that damage property, they can be charged with a class A misdemeanor. The penalties get harsher if someone gets injured or dies.
Here are five things you should know.
These laws exist, of course, because people have been seriously injured by the careless use of fireworks.
How far should I stand away from fireworks?
For ground-based devices such as fountains, according to Homeland Security, the perimeter should be 35 feet out. For aerial devices, it should be 150 feet. Fireworks that don’t go off when you light them can still explode.
Fireworks safety
An estimated 13,004 people were injured by fireworks in the U.S. in 2025, a 12% decrease from 2024, according to the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory 2025 Fireworks Annual Report.
According to the AFSL report, despite a decline in injuries, fireworks consumption hit an estimated 322.4 million pounds in 2025. About 25 percent of individuals injured by fireworks required hospitalization. There were 24 fireworks-related fatalities in 2025, according to the report.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security lists these safety tips on its website:
Fireworks are combustible or explosive devices, and they should be handled cautiously. Sparklers, for example, burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can melt some metals, not to mention burn skin. Always remember the following safety tips when interacting with fireworks:
● Light one firework at a time and never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework.
● Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby to put out fireworks..
● Do not allow young children to use fireworks, and only let older children handle them under close adult supervision.
● Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
● Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.
● Do not hold lit fireworks in your hands, and do not point or throw fireworks at others.
● Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the wind. Keep spectators where the wind is blowing smoke and debris away from them.
● If you do not have a permit, buy only consumer-grade fireworks (1.4g fireworks).
● Do not hold lit fireworks in your hands.
● Steer clear of others setting off fireworks. They can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
● After a firework has finished burning, douse it with plenty of water before throwing it away to prevent starting a trash fire.
● Do not attempt to make or alter any fireworks or firework devices.
● Keep pets indoors, away from fireworks. Set up an area away from windows where they cannot see or hear fireworks, as many pets are terrified of them. Consider buying medication from a veterinarian ahead of time to calm pets.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Know Indiana law before you set off fireworks July 4, 2026
Reporting by John Tufts, Indianapolis Star / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By John Tufts, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
