Matthews, NC Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- NCGS 14-410 strict limits
- Legal
- Sparklers, fountains, snakes
- Illegal
- All aerial and explosive
- Penalty
- Class 2 misdemeanor
Summary
Matthews follows NCGS 14-410 restricting consumer fireworks to ground-based sparkling devices only. Sparklers, fountains, and snakes are legal; all aerial fireworks, firecrackers, and Roman candles are illegal statewide.
§ 14-410. Manufacture, sale and use of pyrotechnics prohibited; exceptions; license required; sale to persons under the age of 16 prohibited.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any individual, firm, partnership or corporation to manufacture, purchase, sell, deal in, transport, possess, receive, advertise, use, handle, exhibit, or discharge any pyrotechnics of any description whatsoever within the State of North Carolina. (a1) It shall be permissible for pyrotechnics to be exhibited, used, handled, manufactured, or discharged within the State, provided all of the following apply:
(1) The exhibition, use, or discharge is at a concert or public exhibition.
(2) All individuals who exhibit, use, handle, or discharge pyrotechnics in connection with a concert or public exhibition have completed the training and licensing required under Article 82A of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 14-414, it shall be unlawful for any individual, firm, partnership, or corporation to sell pyrotechnics as defined in G.S. 14-414(2), (3), (4)c., (5), or (6) to persons under the age of 16.
Full Breakdown
North Carolina is one of the strictest fireworks states. NCGS 14-410 permits only non-explosive, non-aerial devices: sparklers, snake/glow worm pellets, smoke devices, trick noisemakers, and ground-based fountains. Any device that explodes, shoots into the air, or contains more than 100 grams of composition is prohibited. Matthews cannot expand what the state allows. Violations are a Class 2 misdemeanor with fines up to 1,000 dollars and up to 60 days jail.
Violations & Fines
Possession or use of illegal fireworks: Class 2 misdemeanor, up to 1,000 dollar fine and 60 days in jail. Matthews Police enforce, especially around July 4 and New Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bottle rockets legal in Matthews?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Matthews
How Matthews compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Matthews to another location·View the North Carolina fire regulations overview
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Fireworks in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle fireworks.