Lehigh County, PA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Pennsylvania's Fireworks Law is Act 43 of 2017 (effective October 30, 2017), codified at 35 P.S. §1303 et seq. (Title 35, Chapter 9, Subchapter C of the Health & Safety code). Act 43 repealed the 1939 fireworks ban and authorized the sale of 'consumer fireworks' (defined under federal CPSC standard 16 CFR §1500.17 - aerials, mortars, Roman candles, firecrackers ≤50 mg) to Pennsylvania residents 18+. Act 74 of 2022 (effective October 1, 2022) tightened restrictions and created clearer enforcement. Under 35 P.S. §1305 (as amended by Act 74), consumer fireworks may not be: (1) discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure or vehicle, regardless of ownership; (2) discharged on public or private property without express written consent of the owner; (3) discharged from or directed at a motor vehicle or building; (4) discharged while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances; (5) ignited or discharged by a person under 18; or (6) used within 150 feet of livestock without 72 hours' written notice (and never within 150 feet of an animal housing facility). 'Display fireworks' (professional aerial shells) still require a state permit under 35 P.S. §1304. Local ordinance authority: 35 P.S. §1306 expressly authorizes cities, boroughs, townships, and counties to enact more restrictive ordinances than state law - including hour-of-discharge limits, holiday-only allowances, and full bans. The City of Allentown and other Lehigh County municipalities have used this authority to limit the times when fireworks may be discharged. Pennsylvania imposes a 12% consumer fireworks tax on retail sales (Act 43, codified at 72 P.S. §8902-A) on top of the 6% state sales tax. Sale is restricted to licensed retailers regulated by the PA Department of Agriculture and PA State Police.