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Anne Arundel County, MD Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Consumer Fireworks
Banned statewide and county-wide
Sparklers
Gold-label only (no chlorates)
Display Fireworks
State Fire Marshal permit required
State Law
MD Public Safety §10-101

Summary

Consumer fireworks are banned statewide under Maryland Code, Public Safety §10-101. Anne Arundel County enforces the state ban. Only gold-label sparklers without chlorates/perchlorates are legal. Display fireworks require State Fire Marshal permits.

City-specific rules exist: Annapolis has its own fireworks rules that differ from Anne Arundel County's county-level regulations. If you live in Annapolis, check the city-specific page instead.

§10–101.

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) (1) "1.3 G fireworks" means special fireworks designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion or explosion.

(2) "1.3 G fireworks" includes:

(i) toy torpedoes, railway torpedoes, firecrackers and salutes that do not qualify as 1.4 G fireworks, exhibition display pieces, illuminating projectiles, incendiary projectiles, and incendiary grenades;

(ii) smoke projectiles or bombs containing expelling charges but without bursting charges;

(c) (1) "1.4 G fireworks" means common fireworks designed primarily to produce visible effects by combustion.

(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.

Source: Maryland Code, Public Safety §10-101 – FireworksView official code

Full Breakdown

Maryland Public Safety Code §10-101 prohibits consumer fireworks statewide, and Anne Arundel County enforces this ban throughout unincorporated areas. Only 'gold label' sparklers that do not contain chlorates or perchlorates are legally exempt. Discharge of consumer fireworks in residential neighborhoods, waterfront areas, and parks is illegal. Only licensed display operators with permits from the State Fire Marshal may use professional display fireworks. County police respond to fireworks complaints, especially around July 4 and New Year's Eve. Violators face misdemeanor charges.

Violations & Fines

Consumer fireworks possession/discharge: misdemeanor; fines up to $250 first offense, $1,000 subsequent. Confiscation of fireworks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fireworks legal in Anne Arundel County?
Consumer fireworks are banned. Only gold-label sparklers without chlorates are permitted. Professional displays require State Fire Marshal permits.
What happens if I set off fireworks in my neighborhood?
Police can cite you with a misdemeanor. Fines range from $250 for a first offense to $1,000 for repeat offenses.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anne Arundel County

All Anne Arundel County rules

How Anne Arundel County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland fire regulations overview

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