Fireworks: Apex vs Cary
How do fireworks rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Cary has fewer restrictions than Apex.
Apex, NC
Wake County
North Carolina has one of the strictest consumer fireworks regimes in the United States. NCGS § 14-410 makes it unlawful for any person, firm, partnership or corporation to manufacture, purchase, sell, deal in, transport, possess, receive, advertise, use, handle, exhibit, or discharge any pyrotechnics within the State - punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor (Class 1 if indoors). NCGS § 14-414 exempts only: explosive caps for toy pistols (not more than 0.25 g), snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers (party poppers, snappers), wire/stick sparklers using nonexplosive pyrotechnic mixture (not more than 100 g), and ground-based or handheld sparkling devices that do not detonate, do not spin, cannot propel themselves through the air, and contain not more than 75 g per tube (or 200 g total for multiple tubes). Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, ground spinners, and aerial fireworks are illegal everywhere in NC, including Apex. The Apex Fire Department reiterates: "anything that explodes or is projected into the air is illegal." Permitted public displays require a State Fire Marshal display operator's license under Article 82A of NCGS Chapter 58.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
North Carolina law permits certain consumer fireworks (sparklers, fountains, snakes) but bans aerial fireworks, firecrackers, and roman candles. Cary follows state law on fireworks.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| State Cite | NCGS § 14-410 (general ban) / § 14-414 (exemptions) | - |
| Penalty | Class 2 misdemeanor (Class 1 if indoors) | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| Sparkler Limit | Wire/stick sparklers ≤ 100 g; sparkling devices ≤ 75 g/tube (200 g multi) | - |
| Always Illegal | Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial, ground spinners | - |
| Minimum Age (2025) | 18 to purchase/use legal items | - |
| Legal Items | - | Sparklers, fountains, snakes, smoke devices |
| Prohibited | - | Firecrackers, roman candles, aerial fireworks |
| State Law | - | NC G.S. §14-410 through §14-415 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Are fireworks legal in Apex, NC?
Only the narrow list of items exempted by NCGS § 14-414: snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers (party poppers, snappers), wire/stick sparklers under 100 g, and ground-based/handheld sparkling devices that do not detonate, spin, or fly through the air and contain not more than 75 g per tube (200 g total). Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, ground spinners, and any aerial or exploding fireworks are illegal everywhere in NC, including Apex. Violation of NCGS § 14-410 is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Can I buy fireworks legally outside Apex and shoot them off in my yard?
No, if they are anything other than the NCGS § 14-414 exempt items. Possession, transport, and use of any prohibited pyrotechnic within North Carolina is a Class 2 misdemeanor under NCGS § 14-410 regardless of where you bought them. The Apex Fire Department's rule of thumb: anything that explodes or is projected into the air is illegal. The 2025 minimum age to purchase or use even the legal items is 18.
How do I hold a fireworks display in Apex?
Only as a licensed public display. The display operator must hold a State Fire Marshal's Office (OSFM) display permit under Article 82A of NCGS Chapter 58 and must coordinate with the Apex Fire Department (919-362-4001) for site approval. Private consumer aerial/explosive fireworks remain prohibited under NCGS § 14-410.
Cary FAQ
What fireworks are legal in Cary, NC?
Sparklers, fountains, snakes, and smoke devices are legal. Firecrackers, roman candles, sky rockets, and aerial fireworks are prohibited under state law.
Can I shoot off fireworks on July 4th in Cary?
Only legal consumer fireworks like sparklers and fountains. Aerial fireworks, firecrackers, and roman candles are illegal year-round in North Carolina.
Compare other topics
See how Apex and Cary compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool