Massachusetts Statewide Rule
Massachusetts Bans All Consumer Fireworks Statewide
Key Facts
- Statute
- G.L. c. 148 Sec. 39
- Sparklers
- Prohibited
- Out-of-State Purchase
- Still illegal in MA
- Sale Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, jail
Summary
Massachusetts prohibits the sale, possession, and use of all consumer fireworks by private individuals, including sparklers, with no municipal opt-out permitted.
Section 39: Sales, possession, use, etc. of combustible or explosive substances to produce visible or audible effects; fireworks; definitions; exceptions; enforcement procedures; penalties Section 39. No person shall sell, or keep or offer for sale, or have in his possession, or under his control, or use, or explode, or cause to explode, any combustible or explosive composition or substance, or any combination of such compositions or substances, or any other article, which was prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation. For the purposes of this section the word ''fireworks'' shall include compositions, substances or other articles and shall also include blank cartridges or toy cannons in which explosives are used, the type of toy balloon which requires fire underneath to propel the same, firecrackers, cherry bombs, silver salutes, M–80's, torpedoes, sky-rockets, Roman candles, sparklers, rockets, wheels, colored fires, fountains, mines, serpents, or other fireworks of like construction or any fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance. Whoever shall sell or keep for sale or offer for sale any fireworks in violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year or both.
Full Breakdown
G.L. c. 148 Section 39 makes Massachusetts one of the strictest fireworks states in the country. No person may possess, use, sell, or transport fireworks without a permit from the State Fire Marshal. The law covers sparklers, firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and aerial devices. Only licensed professional displays approved by the local fire chief and Department of Fire Services are permitted. The ban applies to fireworks legally purchased in other states such as New Hampshire.
Violations & Penalties
Possession or use carries fines up to $100 and confiscation; selling fireworks is punishable by fines from $100 to $1,000 and up to one year imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sparklers legal in Massachusetts?
Can I bring fireworks from New Hampshire?
Sources
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