Richland County, SC Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- State stance
- Fireworks legal (Title 23, Ch. 35)
- Nightly cutoff
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- July 4 / NYE
- Allowed until 1:00 a.m.
- Buffer zone
- 600 ft from schools/churches
- Max fine
- Up to $1,000 (third offense)
Summary
Consumer fireworks are legal in South Carolina and in unincorporated Richland County, but Sec. 18-9 bans discharge between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. On July 4th and New Year's Eve the cutoff extends to 1:00 a.m.
It shall be unlawful for a person to use, discharge, shoot or ignite fireworks or similar explosives within Richland County between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. ... except that on July 5th and January 1st it shall be unlawful between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-24: This supplement is current through Ordinance No. 033-25HR).
Full Breakdown
South Carolina is a permissive fireworks state: consumer (permissible) fireworks are legal statewide under SC Code Title 23, Chapter 35, and Richland County does NOT ban them. Instead Richland County Code Sec. 18-9 limits WHEN you may discharge. It is unlawful to use fireworks in unincorporated Richland County between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except on July 5th and January 1st the prohibition runs only 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Fireworks may not be discharged within 600 feet of a school, church, or hospital, or directed at any person, animal, or structure. Sparklers and other silent devices are allowed anytime.
Violations & Fines
First offense up to $500; escalating to as much as $1,000 for a third offense, per Sec. 18-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are consumer fireworks legal in Richland County?
Can I shoot fireworks at midnight on July 4th?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland County
How Richland County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Richland County to another location·View the South Carolina fire regulations overview
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