Fireworks in Paramus are governed primarily by New Jersey state law: N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq. (Explosives and Fireworks Act) and 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 consumer use. All aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal without a state-issued permit, and public displays require a permit through the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
New Jersey regulates fireworks at the state level under the Explosives and Fireworks Act, N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq., and N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. P.L. 2017, c. 92 (S3034) amended the law to permit limited consumer use of two narrow categories of devices: (1) hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices that are non-explosive and non-aerial, including wood-stick or wire sparklers of not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item, and other ground-based sparkling devices that may produce a crackling or whistling effect and contain 75 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition per tube (500 grams or less total for multi-tube devices); and (2) snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers such as party poppers, snappers, and drop pops, each consisting of 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture. Sale of these permissible items is restricted to persons 16 years of age or older. All other fireworks - firecrackers, sky rockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, and any other aerial or explosive device - remain illegal to sell, possess, or use without a valid permit. Public fireworks displays in Paramus require a permit under the Explosives and Fireworks Act administered by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, in coordination with the Paramus Fire Official and Police Department. Local nuisance, noise, and fire-prevention ordinances may apply on top of state law to any use of legal devices.
Possession, sale, or use of illegal aerial or explosive fireworks violates N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and may be charged as a disorderly persons offense, with fines and possible jail time, plus civil liability for any resulting fire or injury. Selling permissible sparkling devices to a person under 16, or selling devices outside the categories allowed by P.L. 2017, c. 92, is also unlawful. Conducting a public display without a state permit is a separate violation of the Explosives and Fireworks Act.
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