Fireworks: Englewood vs Fair Lawn
How do fireworks rules compare between Englewood, NJ and Fair Lawn, NJ?
Fair Lawn has fewer restrictions than Englewood.
Englewood, NJ
Bergen County
Fireworks in Englewood are governed by New Jersey state law: N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and 21:3-1 et seq., as amended by P.L. 2017, c. 92. Only non-explosive, non-aerial hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers are legal for personal use; aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal. Englewood enforces the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code locally under Chapter 212 (Fire Prevention) of the City Code, adopted October 5, 2004 under the Uniform Fire Safety Act.
View full Englewood rules →Fair Lawn, NJ
Bergen County
Fair Lawn prohibits the sale, possession, and discharge of fireworks beyond the limited ground-based and handheld sparkling devices permitted under New Jersey state law. Aerial and explosive consumer fireworks remain illegal within borough limits.
View full Fair Lawn rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Englewood | Fair Lawn |
|---|---|---|
| State Statutes | N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and 21:3-1 et seq. | - |
| Key Amendment | P.L. 2017, c. 92 (S3034) | - |
| Legal Devices | Ground-based sparklers, snakes, smoke, trick noisemakers | Ground sparklers and novelties |
| Aerial / Explosive Fireworks | Banned without state display permit | - |
| Minimum Buyer Age | 16 years | - |
| Local Code | Englewood Code Ch. 212 (Fire Prevention), Art. II (adopted 10/5/2004) | - |
| Local Enforcement | Englewood Fire Prevention Bureau | - |
| Banned | - | All aerial and explosive fireworks |
| Public Displays | - | Require permit and license |
| Age | - | Sparkling devices adults only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Englewood FAQ
Are sparklers legal in Englewood?
Yes - hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices that are non-explosive and non-aerial, plus snakes, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers, are permitted under P.L. 2017, c. 92, provided buyers are at least 16 years old. They must still be used safely and may not create a fire hazard or violate other code provisions.
Can I set off bottle rockets or firecrackers on the Fourth of July?
No. Aerial and explosive fireworks - including bottle rockets, firecrackers, sky rockets, Roman candles, and mortar shells - remain illegal under New Jersey law. Use is generally a disorderly persons offense and can also create civil liability for any resulting fire or injury.
Fair Lawn FAQ
Are sparklers legal in Fair Lawn?
Hand-held and ground-based sparkling devices are permitted for adults under New Jersey law, but traditional wire sparklers that emit aerial sparks are restricted. Use them safely on private property.
Can I host a backyard fireworks show?
No. Aerial consumer fireworks are illegal in Fair Lawn. Public displays require a New Jersey license and a local permit issued by the fire official.
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