Connecticut Statewide Rule
Connecticut Statewide Consumer Fireworks Ban
Key Facts
- Consumer fireworks
- Banned statewide
- Allowed items
- Sparklers and fountains only
- Size limit
- Up to 100 grams per item
- Minimum age
- 16 years old
- Base penalty
- Class C misdemeanor
Summary
Connecticut bans the sale, possession, and use of consumer fireworks. The only exception under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-357 is non-aerial, non-explosive sparklers and fountains of up to 100 grams of pyrotechnic composition, which persons 16 or older may buy and use.
Sec. 29-357a. Permit for display of special effects produced by pyrotechnics or flame producing devices. Certificate of competency. Variations or exemptions. Penalty. (a) The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, for the granting of permits for supervised displays of special effects produced by pyrotechnics, including sparklers and fountains, or flame producing devices by municipalities, fair associations, amusement parks, other organizations or groups of individuals or artisans in pursuit of their trade. Such regulations shall include provisions for determining the competency of persons intending to discharge or fire such special effects. Such regulations shall not apply to ceremonial activities that include minimal use of pyrotechnics or flame producing devices. (b) An applicant for a permit for the supervised display of such special effects produced by pyrotechnics or flame producing devices shall submit a written application at least fifteen days prior to the date of the display, or upon such notice as the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection by regulation prescribes, on forms furnished by said commissioner. The fee for such application shall be one hundred dollars, made payable to the State Treasurer.
Full Breakdown
Connecticut General Statutes § 29-357 prohibits selling, possessing, or using fireworks except by licensed display operators. The narrow exception permits non-aerial, non-explosive sparklers and fountains containing not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic composition per item, which may be sold to and used by persons 16 or older. Aerial devices, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles remain illegal. Public displays require a permit from the local fire marshal with State Fire Marshal approval. Municipalities may not authorize fireworks the state has prohibited.
Violations & Penalties
Violating the fireworks law is generally a class C misdemeanor; illegal retail sales exceeding $10,000 in value, or unauthorized displays, are a class A misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bottle rockets or firecrackers legal anywhere in Connecticut?
Can a Connecticut town allow consumer fireworks for July 4th?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.