New Jersey bans consumer fireworks countywide, but since 2017 hand-held and ground-based sparkling devices and novelties (like sparklers and snakes) are legal for anyone 16 or older. Aerials, firecrackers, and Roman candles stay illegal.
Fireworks law is set by New Jersey statute, not by Passaic County. Under N.J.S.A. 21:3-2, amended by P.L. 2017, c.92, it is lawful for a person 16 or older to sell, possess, or use sparkling devices and novelties as defined in R.S. 21:2-2. Permitted items are non-explosive, non-aerial hand-held or ground-based sparklers, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers such as party poppers and snappers. Anything that explodes or launches into the air (firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial shells) remains illegal for consumers. Public aerial displays require a licensed operator and municipal fire-official permit. Each town in the county, including Paterson, Clifton, and Wayne, enforces these state rules.
Possessing or discharging illegal fireworks is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey, carrying fines up to $500 and possible jail; unlawful displays can bring larger penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Passaic County, NJ
New Jersey's animal-cruelty law makes it unlawful to fail to provide necessary care to animals. Under 2022 amendments, animal hoarding is a fourth-degree cri...
Passaic County, NJ
New Jersey bans intentionally feeding black bears statewide, with a civil penalty up to $1,000. This applies across Passaic County, including bear-active wes...
Passaic County, NJ
Passaic County does not regulate backyard composting. New Jersey encourages home composting to divert yard and food waste, but any placement, container or nu...
Passaic County, NJ
Passaic County does not regulate artificial turf on residential yards. Whether you can install synthetic grass — and any drainage, coverage or permit conditi...
Passaic County, NJ
Passaic County does not require or restrict native-plant landscaping on private property. New Jersey promotes native plants for stormwater and pollinator ben...
Passaic County, NJ
Rain barrels and rooftop rainwater harvesting are legal statewide in New Jersey, and Passaic County places no limits on them. State law bars state and local ...
See how Passaic County's fireworks rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.