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Lowell, MA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

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

Key Facts

Local rule
All fireworks prohibited (Lowell Code section 155-17)
State law
M.G.L. c. 148, section 39 (statewide ban)
City fine
$500 per violation (section 155-17)
Legal display
Permit under M.G.L. c. 148, section 39A only

Summary

All consumer fireworks are illegal to sell, possess, or use in Lowell. Massachusetts is one of the few states with a total ban under M.G.L. c. 148, section 39, and Lowell City Code section 155-17 separately prohibits fireworks with a $500 fine per violation.

No person shall sell, or keep or offer for sale, or have in his possession, or under his control, or use, or explode, or cause to explode, any combustible or explosive composition or substance, or any combination of such compositions or substances, or any other article which was prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation...

Source: MA State Fire Marshal FireworksView official code

Full Breakdown

c. 148, section 39. The statute makes it unlawful to 'sell, or keep or offer for sale, or have in his possession, or under his control, or use, or explode, or cause to explode' any firework, defined to include firecrackers, cherry bombs, sparklers, rockets, Roman candles, blank cartridges, toy cannons, and similar items containing any explosive or flammable compound. The ban applies even to fireworks bought legally in another state and brought into Massachusetts. c. 148, section 10A may purchase and display fireworks in accordance with Chapter 148 and Department of Public Safety regulations. c. 148, section 39A.

Violations & Fines

Under M.G.L. c. 148, section 39, selling fireworks is punishable by a fine of $100 to $1,000 or up to one year imprisonment, while possession or use carries a fine of $10 to $100, and the fireworks are seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth. Lowell City Code section 155-17 adds a city fine of $500 for each violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any fireworks legal for residents in Lowell?
No. Massachusetts bans all consumer fireworks under M.G.L. c. 148, section 39, including sparklers, and Lowell Code section 155-17 prohibits selling, possessing, or using fireworks within the city.
What is the penalty for fireworks in Lowell?
State law fines sellers $100-$1,000 (plus possible jail) and users $10-$100, with seizure of the fireworks; Lowell's section 155-17 adds a $500 fine for each violation.
Can I bring back fireworks bought legally in another state?
No. Massachusetts law prohibits possessing fireworks even if they were purchased legally elsewhere; they remain illegal once inside the state.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lowell

All Lowell rules

How Lowell compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Lowell to another location·View the Massachusetts fire regulations overview

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Fireworks in Nearby Cities

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