Rio Rancho restricts fireworks under Municipal Code Chapter 92 to the maximum the state allows. Only 'Safe and Sane' ground-based fireworks are legal in the city. Anything that flies higher than 10 feet or is louder than a cap gun (aerial and ground-audible devices) is banned within city limits.
New Mexico's Fireworks Licensing and Safety Act (NMSA 60-2C) sets the framework: 'permissible fireworks' are legal statewide, and a municipality may NOT prohibit them by ordinance except for aerial devices and ground audible devices (NMSA 60-2C-8). Rio Rancho's Chapter 92 exercises that authority to the fullest, banning everything it legally can. The city's Fire and Rescue Department summarizes the rule as: fireworks that go higher than 10 feet or are louder than a cap gun are illegal. Only 'Safe and Sane' fireworks - which do not fly or explode (ground spinners, cone/cylindrical fountains, sparklers) - may be sold and used. The Fire and Rescue Department inspects and approves all firework vendors. Fireworks must be ignited outdoors in an area clear of vegetation. Igniting fireworks, starting fires, or smoking in the Rio Grande Bosque is prohibited at all times, as is use in National Forests or dry-grass areas. During extreme or severe drought, the governing body may impose further restrictions under NMSA 60-2C-8.1. Report suspected illegal sales/use to the non-emergency line, (505) 891-7226.
Violating the city fireworks ordinance is punishable by a fine of up to $500 or up to 90 days in jail, or both. Each violation is a separate offense, and non-complying fireworks may be seized at the owner's expense.
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See how Rio Rancho's fireworks rules stack up against other locations.
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