Illinois Statewide Rule
Illinois Pyrotechnic Use Act Fireworks Restrictions
Key Facts
- Statute
- 425 ILCS 35
- Allowed
- Sparklers, snakes, smoke
- Banned
- Firecrackers, rockets, aerials
- Display permits
- Licensed operators only
Summary
Illinois generally prohibits consumer fireworks statewide under the Pyrotechnic Use Act, allowing only novelty items like sparklers, smoke devices, and snakes for the public.
Sec. 2. Possession, sale, and use of fireworks. Except as hereinafter provided it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, co-partnership, or corporation to knowingly possess, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any display fireworks, flame effects, or consumer fireworks; provided that city councils in cities, the president and board of trustees in villages and incorporated towns, and outside the corporate limits of cities, villages and incorporated towns, the county board, shall have power to adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the granting of permits for pyrotechnic and consumer displays.
Full Breakdown
Under 425 ILCS 35, the Pyrotechnic Use Act regulates consumer and display fireworks in Illinois. The Act bans the use, sale, and possession of consumer fireworks such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and aerial repeaters by the general public. Only novelty items, including sparklers, party poppers, snake or glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers, are permitted for consumer use. Display fireworks require a licensed operator and a permit from the local fire authority. While home-rule municipalities may impose stricter rules or further restrict novelties, they cannot legalize fireworks the state has banned. The Office of the State Fire Marshal enforces statewide standards.
Violations & Penalties
Possession or use of prohibited consumer fireworks is a Class A misdemeanor with fines and possible jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bottle rockets and firecrackers legal anywhere in Illinois?
Who can conduct a public fireworks display in Illinois?
Sources
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