Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Guilford County

Guilford County, NC Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
NC Gen. Stat. §§14-410 to 14-415
Legal items
Sparklers, fountains, snakes, poppers
Illegal items
Firecrackers, bottle rockets, aerials
Sparkler limit
Up to 100 grams per item
Penalty
Class 2 misdemeanor (§14-415)

Summary

North Carolina bans nearly all consumer fireworks statewide. In Guilford County, only non-aerial, non-explosive 'pyrotechnics' such as wire sparklers, fountains, snakes, and party poppers are legal. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and any aerial or exploding fireworks are prohibited.

City-specific rules exist: Greensboro, and High Point have their own fireworks rules that differ from Guilford County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

View official code

Full Breakdown

North Carolina has no county fireworks exemption, so Guilford County follows state law (NC Gen. Stat. Article 54, §§14-410 to 14-415). Section 14-410 makes it unlawful to manufacture, purchase, sell, transport, possess, use, or discharge 'any pyrotechnics of any description whatsoever' except at licensed public exhibitions authorized by the county or city. Section 14-414 then exempts a short list of ground-based novelties: wire sparklers (up to 100 grams), fountains and other sparkling devices that do not detonate, spin, or leave the ground (75 grams per tube, 200 grams total), snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers such as party poppers.

Violations & Fines

Possessing, using, or selling illegal fireworks is a Class 2 misdemeanor under NC Gen. Stat. §14-415, punishable by fines and up to 60 days in jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bottle rockets and firecrackers legal in Guilford County?
No. NC bans all aerial and exploding fireworks statewide, so firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and shells are illegal here. Only ground-based sparklers, fountains, and novelties are permitted.
Do I need a permit to shoot off legal sparklers?
No permit is needed for legal sparklers, fountains, and party poppers. A licensed operator and written county or city authority are required only for aerial public display shows.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Guilford County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Guilford County rules

How Guilford County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Guilford County to another location·View the North Carolina fire regulations overview

Get notified when Fireworks in Guilford County, NC changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Fireworks in Cities Across Guilford County

Greensboro, NCHigh Point, NC