Lancaster County, PA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- 3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 11 (state)
- Minimum age
- 18 years old
- Distance rule
- 150 ft from building/vehicle
- Local override
- Municipality may add limits
- County rule
- None; state + municipal
Summary
Pennsylvania (3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 11) governs consumer fireworks statewide. Adults 18+ may use them, but never within 150 feet of any building or vehicle, on others' property without permission, or while impaired. Lancaster municipalities may add stricter local limits or permit rules.
A person may not intentionally use consumer fireworks: (5) Within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, whether or not the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks.
Full Breakdown
Act 43 of 2017, consolidated by Act 74 of 2022 into 3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 11, legalized consumer fireworks (formerly barred under 35 P.S. §7332). Section 1104 lets anyone at least 18 buy, possess, and use them, but bans use within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, on public or private property without the owner's permission, directed at a person, from inside a vehicle or building, or while under the influence. A 150–300 foot buffer plus 72-hour written notice applies near livestock. Under §1106, any Lancaster County municipality (one of 60) may enact its own conditions, require a permit, or prohibit use where the 150-foot rule cannot be met.
Violations & Fines
Summary offense; police enforce. A municipality may prohibit use entirely where the 150-foot separation from buildings and vehicles cannot be met (3 Pa.C.S. §1106).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks in my Lancaster County backyard?
Does Lancaster County have its own fireworks law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lancaster County
How Lancaster County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Lancaster County to another location·View the Pennsylvania fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.