Under PA Act 43 of 2017, residents 18+ may buy and set off consumer fireworks, but never within 150 feet of an occupied structure, on others' property without permission, or while impaired. Reading and your township may add time limits.
Berks County itself does not license consumer fireworks; Pennsylvania's statewide fireworks law (Act 43 of 2017, later amended by Act 74 of 2022, 72 P.S. §9401 et seq.) controls. Consumer/'Class C' fireworks are legal for anyone 18 or older. The state bars discharge within 150 feet of an occupied structure, on public or another person's property without express permission, and by anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Municipalities (Reading, Wyomissing, Muhlenberg, your township) may further restrict time and place, and may bar use between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. During a Berks County burn ban, fireworks are effectively barred.
Using consumer fireworks in violation is a summary offense, fine up to $500; up to $1,000 if within three years of a prior conviction.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Berks County's fireworks rules stack up against other locations.
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