Fireworks: Garfield vs Ridgewood

All consumer fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal in Garfield under N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq., the NJ Explosives and Fireworks Act. Only non-aerial, non-explosive sparkling devices and novelties (handheld/ground sparkling devices, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers) are legal for sale and use to persons aged 16 and older, per P.L. 2017 c. 92 (signed June 28, 2017). Public displays require a state permit. Garfield enforces these rules through its Police and Fire Departments, with public reminders issued via the city's annual Fireworks Advisory.

Consumer fireworks in Ridgewood are governed primarily by New Jersey state law, not a local fireworks chapter. Aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal under N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq. P.L. 2017 c. 92 narrowly legalized non-aerial sparkling devices (sparklers, snakes, glow worms) and novelties (party poppers, snappers, drop pops) for persons 16 and over and preempts local regulation of those items. Ridgewood does, however, prohibit the discharge of toy 'Poppers' on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and public places, and bans the sale of Poppers from May 15 to July 15 and during December (Village Code Chapter 221A).