Fireworks in Hackensack are governed primarily by New Jersey state law: N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq., as amended by P.L. 2017, c. 92. Since 2017, only non-explosive, non-aerial hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers are legal for personal use. All aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal. Hackensack's zoning code further prohibits the manufacture and storage of explosives and fireworks in all zoning districts.
Statewide regulation of fireworks is set in N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq. (Explosives and Fireworks). P.L. 2017, c. 92 (S3034) amended the law to permit limited consumer use of (1) hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices that are non-explosive and non-aerial and contain 75 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition per tube (or 500 grams total for multi-tube devices), and (2) snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers such as party poppers, snappers, and drop pops. Sale of these items is restricted to persons 16 and older. All other fireworks - including firecrackers, sky rockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and any other aerial or explosive device - remain illegal to sell, possess, or use without a valid state permit. Public displays still require a permit issued under the Explosives and Fireworks Act. At the local level, Hackensack's zoning ordinance lists explosives and fireworks manufacture and storage among uses prohibited in all zoning districts, eliminating commercial fireworks production and warehousing within the city. Enforcement is shared between the Hackensack Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, and the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
Possession or use of illegal aerial or explosive fireworks is a violation of N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and may be prosecuted as a disorderly persons offense, with fines and possible jail time, plus civil liability for any fire or injury caused. Selling fireworks to persons under 16, or selling devices outside the categories permitted by P.L. 2017, c. 92, is also unlawful. Operating a fireworks manufacturing or storage use within Hackensack violates the city's zoning code and is subject to municipal court penalties and abatement.
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