Annapolis, MD Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Consumer Fireworks
- Banned statewide
- Sparklers
- Gold-label only (no chlorates)
- Display Fireworks
- Permit only
- State Law
- MD Public Safety §10-101
Summary
Consumer fireworks are banned statewide under Maryland Code, Public Safety §10-101. Annapolis Code reinforces the ban. Only sparklers not containing chlorates or perchlorates (gold-label) are legal. Violation can result in a $250+ fine.
§10–101.
(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(f) (1) "Fireworks" means combustible, implosive or explosive compositions, substances, combinations of substances, or articles that are prepared to produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, implosion, deflagration, or detonation.
(2) "Fireworks" includes 1.3 G fireworks, 1.4 G fireworks, firecrackers, squibs, rockets, Roman candles, fire balloons, and signal lights.
(3) "Fireworks" does not include:
(i) toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices that use paper caps that contain 0.25 grains or less of explosive composition if the devices are constructed so that a hand cannot touch the cap when the cap is in place for use;
(ii) toy pistol paper caps that contain less than 0.20 grains of explosive composition;
(iii) sparklers that do not contain chlorates or perchlorates;
(iv) ground–based sparkling devices that are nonaerial and nonexplosive, and are labeled in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission;
(v) paper wrapped snappers that contain less than 0.03 grains of explosive composition; or
(vi) ash–producing pellets known as "snakes" that do not contain mercury and are not regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
(b) (1) "1.3 G fireworks" means special fireworks designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion or explosion.
(c) (1) "1.4 G fireworks" means common fireworks designed primarily to produce visible effects by combustion.
Full Breakdown
Maryland Public Safety Code §10-101 prohibits consumer fireworks statewide. Annapolis enforces the state ban. Only 'gold label' sparklers (not containing chlorates or perchlorates) and toy paper-cap devices are legal for consumer use. Discharging consumer fireworks in Annapolis, including the waterfront, City Dock, residential neighborhoods, and Truxtun Park, is illegal. Only state/local permit holders may use display fireworks. The city's Fourth of July and other holiday events use permitted professional displays. Violation is a misdemeanor under state law with potential fines and/or imprisonment.
Violations & Fines
Consumer fireworks possession/discharge: misdemeanor; fines up to $250 first offense, $1,000 subsequent. State law enforcement applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sparklers in Annapolis?
What about professional fireworks displays?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
How Annapolis compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland fire regulations overview
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