Montgomery County, PA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule
- None; set by state law
- Minimum age
- 18 to buy, possess, use
- Distance rule
- 150 ft from building or vehicle
- Statute
- 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11 (Act 74 of 2022)
- Local override
- Boroughs/townships may restrict further
Summary
Montgomery County itself sets no fireworks rule. Pennsylvania law lets adults 18+ use consumer fireworks, but bans use within 150 feet of any building or vehicle, on another's property without permission, or while impaired. Your borough or township may restrict further.
(b) Prohibitions.--A person may not intentionally use consumer fireworks: ... (5) Within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, whether or not the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks.
Full Breakdown
Fireworks in Pennsylvania are governed by state statute, not by Montgomery County. Under 3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 11 (originally Act 43 of 2017, amended by Act 74 of 2022), a person at least 18 years old may purchase, possess and use consumer fireworks such as firecrackers, Roman candles and aerial shells. Section 1104(b) lists where consumer fireworks may NOT be used: within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, from or toward a building or vehicle, on another person's property without permission, at another person, or while impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance. The 150-foot rule effectively makes lawful backyard use impossible on most dense suburban Montgomery County lots. Municipalities (the county's 62 boroughs and townships, e.g.
Violations & Fines
Using consumer fireworks within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, or otherwise violating 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11, is a summary offense enforced by local or state police, with fines and possible confiscation. Municipal ordinance violations carry separate local penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are consumer fireworks legal in Montgomery County, PA?
Can I set off fireworks in my own backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
How Montgomery County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Pennsylvania fire regulations overview
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