New Jersey law (NJSA 21:3-1 et seq.) bans virtually all fireworks. A 2017 amendment legalized only hand-held and ground-based sparkling devices, novelties, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and party poppers for buyers age 16 or older. Aerial fireworks, firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and skyrockets remain illegal statewide. Cape May County beach towns add separate ordinance bans on all fires and fireworks.
Fireworks in Cape May County are governed by the New Jersey Explosives and Fireworks Act, codified at NJSA 21:3-1 through 21:3-22, and enforced by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety within the Department of Community Affairs. The 2017 amendment to NJSA 21:3-2 created a narrow exemption allowing persons 16 or older to buy, possess, and use hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices containing 75 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition per tube (500 grams total), plus novelties such as snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, party poppers, snappers, and drop pops. All other consumer fireworks remain prohibited. Public displays require a permit from the municipal governing body under NJSA 21:3-4 after approval from the police and fire chiefs, plus a bond of at least $2,500. Cape May County itself does not issue display permits. Within the county, the City of Cape May regulates fireworks under Chapter 255 of its City Code. The City of Wildwood prohibits fireworks on the beach and boardwalk under Chapter 4 (Beach and Resort Regulations), and North Wildwood addresses firearms and fireworks under Chapter 236. Ocean City Chapter 18 bans all fires, sparklers, tiki torches, and fireworks on its beaches year-round. Lower Township also bars fireworks on its beaches. The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management directs residents to professional municipal displays in Wildwood, Ocean City, Stone Harbor, and Cape May as the only lawful option.
Under NJSA 21:3-2, simple possession or use of unlawful fireworks is a petty disorderly persons offense punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. Selling or possessing with intent to sell unlawful fireworks is a fourth-degree crime under NJSA 21:3-7, punishable by up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Local beach ordinance violations carry separate municipal court fines.
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