Fireworks: Hackensack vs Ridgewood
How do fireworks rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Hackensack and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.
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 →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
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).
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hackensack | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| State Statute | 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 permit | - |
| Minimum Buyer Age | 16 years | - |
| Local Zoning | Manufacture and storage prohibited in all districts | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Ridgewood FAQ
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