Winston-Salem, NC Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal
- Sparklers, fountains, snakes only
- Illegal
- All aerial + firecrackers
- Statute
- NCGS 14-410 to 14-415
- Penalty
- Class 2 misdemeanor
- Preemption
- City cannot expand allowed types
Summary
Only ground-based sparkling devices (sparklers, fountains, snakes, smoke items) are legal in Winston-Salem under NCGS 14-410. All aerial fireworks, firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and mortars are illegal statewide and the city cannot authorize them.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any individual, firm, partnership or corporation to manufacture, purchase, sell, deal in, transport, possess, receive, advertise, use, handle, exhibit, or discharge any pyrotechnics of any description whatsoever within the State of North Carolina. (a1) It shall be permissible for pyrotechnics to be exhibited, used, handled, manufactured, or discharged within the State, provided all of the following apply: (1) The exhibition, use, or discharge is at a concert or public exhibition. (2) All individuals who exhibit, use, handle, or discharge pyrotechnics in connection with a concert or public exhibition have completed the training and licensing required under Article 82A of Chapter 58 of the General Statutes. [...] (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 14-414, it shall be unlawful for any individual, firm, partnership, or corporation to sell pyrotechnics as defined in G.S. 14-414(2), (3), (4)c., (5), or (6) to persons under the age of 16. [...] This Article shall not apply to the sale, use, or possession of the following: (1) Explosive caps designed to be fired in toy pistols [...] (5) Wire sparklers consisting of wire or stick coated with nonexplosive pyrotechnic mixture that produces a shower of sparks upon ignition. These items must not exceed 100 grams of mixture per item. (6) Other sparkling devices which emit showers of sparks and sometimes a whistling or crackling effect when burning, do not detonate or explode, do not spin, are hand-held or ground-based, cannot propel themselves through the air, and contain not more than 75 grams of chemical compound per tube, or not more than a total of 200 grams if multiple tubes are used.
Full Breakdown
North Carolina has one of the most restrictive fireworks statutes in the Southeast. NCGS 14-410 through 14-415 permit only non-aerial, non-explosive pyrotechnic devices: wire and wood sparklers, fountains, ground spinners, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers. Anything that flies, explodes, or travels more than a short distance along the ground is banned. The city of Winston-Salem cannot expand what is legal, though it may add local use restrictions. Residents who want aerial displays must attend permitted public shows. Winston-Salem Fire Department responds to complaints, especially around July 4 and New Year. Possession or sale of illegal fireworks is a Class 2 misdemeanor (up to 60 days jail, $1,000 fine per NCGS 14-415).
Violations & Fines
Possession/use of illegal aerial fireworks: Class 2 misdemeanor. Sellers face Class 2 misdemeanor plus product seizure. Fires caused by fireworks: civil cost recovery from WSFD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bottle rockets or Roman candles legal in Winston-Salem?
Can I buy legal sparklers inside city limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
How Winston-Salem compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina fire regulations overview
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