Fireworks: Paramus vs Ridgewood

Fireworks in Paramus are governed primarily by New Jersey state law: N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq. (Explosives and Fireworks Act) and 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 consumer use. All aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal without a state-issued permit, and public displays require a permit through the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.

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).