Fireworks: St. Clair Shores vs Sterling Heights
How do fireworks rules compare between St. Clair Shores, MI and Sterling Heights, MI?
St. Clair Shores has fewer restrictions than Sterling Heights.
St. Clair Shores, MI
Macomb County
Macomb County itself does not regulate fireworks — that authority belongs to the State of Michigan and to local cities/townships under the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act (PA 256 of 2011, MCL 28.451 et seq.). Consumer fireworks are legal statewide, but cities and townships may regulate ignition, discharge, and use EXCEPT after 11 a.m. on protected holiday windows. Violation of a local discharge ordinance carries a civil fine of $1,000 per offense (MCL 28.457(3)), with $500 remitted to local law enforcement.
View full St. Clair Shores rules →Sterling Heights, MI
Macomb County
Sterling Heights restricts consumer fireworks under Michigan PA 256 of 2011 (as amended by PA 65 of 2018) to the day before, day of, and day after 11 designated federal holidays. Use is prohibited on all other days. Fireworks cannot be ignited on public property or while under the influence. The state $1,000 fine applies for non-permitted-day use.
View full Sterling Heights rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | St. Clair Shores | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| State Statute | Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, PA 256 of 2011 (MCL 28.451 et seq.) | - |
| Local Authority | MCL 28.457(2) — discharge time only | - |
| Protected Days | New Year, Memorial weekend, June 29–July 4, Labor Day weekend (after 11 a.m.) | - |
| Civil Fine | $1,000 per violation (fixed by MCL 28.457(3)) | - |
| Drunk Discharge | Misdemeanor — up to 90 days, $500 (MCL 28.457(5)) | - |
| County Authority | None directly — cities/townships regulate | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
St. Clair Shores FAQ
Can I legally shoot fireworks in Macomb County?
Yes, Michigan permits consumer fireworks under the Fireworks Safety Act (MCL 28.451). However, your city or township may prohibit discharge outside the state-protected windows (New Year's, Memorial Day weekend, June 29–July 4, Labor Day weekend, after 11 a.m.). Check Sterling Heights, Warren, Clinton Township, or your local ordinance before lighting any fireworks.
What's the fine if I get caught using fireworks outside legal hours?
Michigan law fixes the civil fine at $1,000 per violation under MCL 28.457(3) — local governments cannot raise or lower it. Half goes to local law enforcement. Discharging while intoxicated is a separate misdemeanor with up to 90 days jail under MCL 28.457(5).
Sterling Heights FAQ
When can I use fireworks in Sterling Heights?
Only on the day before, day of, and day after 11 designated federal holidays (about 33 days per year). The biggest windows surround New Year's, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4, and Labor Day.
What time do I have to stop?
11:45 PM on most permitted days, with the cutoff extended to 1:00 AM on July 5 and January 1.
What's the fine for using fireworks on a regular day?
$1,000 state civil fine under MCL §28.457. Use on public property or while intoxicated can result in additional misdemeanor charges.
Compare other topics
See how St. Clair Shores and Sterling Heights 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