Fireworks: Boston vs New York
How do fireworks rules compare between Boston, MA and New York, NY?
Boston and New York have similar restriction levels.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
All consumer fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts including sparklers. Boston enforces this strict statewide ban with confiscation and fines under MGL Chapter 148 Section 39.
View full Boston rules →New York, NY
New York County
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City, including sparkling devices that are legal in much of New York State. NYC Fire Code Section FC 5601.3.2 makes it unlawful to manufacture, sell, store, handle, use, or possess fireworks in NYC except for permitted public displays. New York Penal Law §270.00 separately criminalizes unlawfully dealing with fireworks. Only fireworks contractors holding an FDNY E-20 Certificate of Fitness may conduct displays, and only with FDNY permits.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Fireworks | All illegal | - |
| Sparklers | Also illegal | - |
| State Law | MGL c. 148 Section 39 | - |
| Sale Penalty | $100-$1,000 + jail | Up to 90 days jail (Class B misdemeanor) |
| Governing Law | - | NYC Fire Code §FC 5601.3.2; NY Penal Law §270.00 |
| Sparkling Devices | - | Banned in NYC (despite NY State legalization) |
| Aerial Fireworks | - | Banned statewide and in NYC |
| Permitted Displays | - | FDNY-licensed contractor with E-20 Certificate of Fitness only |
| Possession Penalty | - | Up to 15 days jail and/or fine (Penal Law §270.00 violation) |
| Reporting | - | 311 (non-emergency); 911 (in-progress or large stockpile) |
| Enforcement | - | FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention; NYPD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Are consumer fireworks legal in Boston?
All consumer fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts including sparklers. Boston enforces this strict statewide ban with confiscation and fines under MGL Chapter 148 Section 39.
When can I set off fireworks in Boston?
Consumer Fireworks: All illegal. Sparklers: Also illegal. State Law: MGL c. 148 Section 39. Sale Penalty: $100-$1,000 + jail.
New York FAQ
Are sparklers legal in New York City?
No. Although New York State legalized 'sparkling devices' in 2014, New York City opted out. All consumer fireworks, including handheld and ground-based sparklers, are banned in NYC under Fire Code §FC 5601.3.2.
What are the penalties for fireworks possession in NYC?
Under NY Penal Law §270.00, possession of less than $50 worth of fireworks is a violation punishable by up to 15 days in jail and/or a fine. Selling fireworks is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail.
Can I have a private fireworks show on my property in NYC?
No. Only FDNY-licensed fireworks contractors holding an E-20 Certificate of Fitness may conduct fireworks displays in NYC, and only with an FDNY-issued permit and required insurance.
Compare other topics
See how Boston and New York 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