South Bend, IN Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal
- Consumer 1.4G, age 18+
- July 4
- 10 AM to midnight
- Other July dates
- 5 PM-11 PM, Jun 29-Jul 9
- New Year
- 10 AM Dec 31-1 AM Jan 1
- Fines
- $100 / $250 / $500
Summary
Consumer fireworks are legal in South Bend but limited to set dates and hours: 5-11 PM June 29-July 9, 10 AM-midnight July 4, and 10 AM Dec 31 to 1 AM Jan 1. Never on streets or in parks.
No person may use, ignite or discharge consumer fireworks within the corporate limits of the City of South Bend except during the following times: Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on June 29, 30, July 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on July 4, and between the hours of 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Indiana law (IC 22-11-14) lets adults 18+ use consumer fireworks and bars cities from banning them, so South Bend restricts only hours and location under Sec. 13-59 (Ord. 10628-18). Discharge is allowed 5 PM-11 PM on June 29 through July 9 (except July 4), 10 AM to midnight on July 4, and 10 AM December 31 to 1 AM January 1. Fireworks may never be used on a public street or in a public park. They must be set off on private property with the owner's consent, and all debris must land back on that same property.
Violations & Fines
Discharging outside allowed hours or on public property is fined $100 first offense, $250 second, and $500 for a third and each subsequent offense. Reckless use can bring criminal and civil liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can South Bend ban fireworks?
Can I set off fireworks in the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Bend
How South Bend compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare South Bend to another location·View the Indiana fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.