Fireworks: Englewood vs Fort Lee
How do fireworks rules compare between Englewood, NJ and Fort Lee, NJ?
Englewood and Fort Lee have similar restriction levels.
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 →Fort Lee, NJ
Bergen County
New Jersey law preempts fireworks regulation. In Fort Lee, only ground-based, hand-held sparklers and novelty items are legal for consumers, while aerial fireworks remain prohibited.
View full Fort Lee rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Englewood | Fort Lee |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| Legal | - | Ground sparklers and novelties |
| Illegal | - | All aerial and explosive types |
| Min Age | - | 16 years old |
| Display Permit | - | Required for shows |
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.
Fort Lee FAQ
Are sparklers legal in Fort Lee?
Yes, ground-based hand-held sparklers and novelty items are legal under New Jersey law for users 16 and older. Aerial fireworks remain illegal.
What happens if I use illegal fireworks?
Use of illegal aerial fireworks in Fort Lee is a disorderly persons offense with fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time of up to six months.
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