Fireworks: Englewood vs Hackensack
How do fireworks rules compare between Englewood, NJ and Hackensack, NJ?
Englewood and Hackensack 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 →Hackensack, NJ
Bergen County
Fireworks in Hackensack are governed primarily by New Jersey state law: N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq., as amended by P.L. 2017, c. 92. Since 2017, 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. All aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal. Hackensack's zoning code further prohibits the manufacture and storage of explosives and fireworks in all zoning districts.
View full Hackensack rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Englewood | Hackensack |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | P.L. 2017, c. 92 (S3034) |
| Legal Devices | Ground-based sparklers, snakes, smoke, trick noisemakers | Ground-based sparklers, snakes, smoke, trick noisemakers |
| Aerial / Explosive Fireworks | Banned without state display permit | Banned without state permit |
| Minimum Buyer Age | 16 years | 16 years |
| Local Code | Englewood Code Ch. 212 (Fire Prevention), Art. II (adopted 10/5/2004) | - |
| Local Enforcement | Englewood Fire Prevention Bureau | - |
| State Statute | - | N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and 21:3-1 et seq. |
| Local Zoning | - | Manufacture and storage prohibited in all districts |
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.
Hackensack FAQ
Are sparklers legal in Hackensack?
Yes - hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices that are non-explosive and non-aerial are permitted under P.L. 2017, c. 92, provided buyers are at least 16 years old. They must still be used safely and not in a manner that creates a fire hazard or disturbs neighbors.
Can I set off bottle rockets or firecrackers on the Fourth of July?
No. Aerial and explosive fireworks - including bottle rockets, firecrackers, sky rockets, and Roman candles - remain illegal under New Jersey law. Use is a disorderly persons offense and can also create civil liability.
Compare other topics
See how Englewood and Hackensack 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