Tennessee Statewide Rule

Tennessee Consumer Fireworks Sales and Use Law

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Tennessee (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: TCA 68-104-101 et seq.
Permitted type: DOT 1.4G consumer fireworks
Minimum age: 16 to purchase
Local authority: May fully ban (§ 68-104-116)

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Justia Law

Summary

Tennessee allows consumer fireworks (DOT 1.4G) statewide, sold only by State Fire Marshal-permitted retailers to buyers 16 or older. Under T.C.A. § 68-104-116, cities and counties may regulate, restrict, or fully prohibit fireworks sale, possession, and discharge.

68-104-116. Private acts and municipal ordinances unaffected. (a) This chapter does not affect the validity of any private act, county ordinance, or city ordinance further prohibiting or restricting the sale or use of fireworks; provided, that in counties with a population of not less than fifty-eight thousand seventy-five (58,075) nor more than fifty-eight thousand one hundred seventy-five (58,175), according to the 1980 federal census or any subsequent federal census, § 68-104-105 controls. (b) A private act, county ordinance, or city ordinance that is in effect before or on June 30, 2026, and that prohibits or restricts the sale or use of fireworks pursuant to subsection (a) also prohibits or restricts the sale or use of sparkling devices, unless the private act, county ordinance, or city ordinance is amended to allow for the sale or use of sparkling devices. History Acts 1959, ch. 159, § 13; T.C.A., § 53-3016; Acts 1985, ch. 293, § 2; T.C.A. § 68-22-116; 2026, ch. 1135, § 8. TENNESSEE CODE ANNOTATED Copyright © 2026 by The State of Tennessee All rights reserved Previous Next About Privacy Policy Trust Center Cookie Policy Terms & Conditions Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis.

Source: Justia LawView official code

Full Breakdown

TCA Title 68, Chapter 104 governs fireworks manufacture, sale, and use. Permissible consumer fireworks (DOT 1.4G) may be sold by retailers holding a State Fire Marshal permit, and § 68-104-112 sets a minimum purchase age of 16. Tennessee is among the most permissive states, with no statewide seasonal-only limit on consumer use. Under § 68-104-116, municipalities and counties may regulate, restrict, or totally prohibit fireworks; § 68-104-112 makes it unlawful to sell or possess for sale where a local ordinance bans them. Franklin and Brentwood, for example, prohibit them outright.

Violations & Penalties

Selling without a State Fire Marshal permit or to a buyer under 16 is a misdemeanor. Discharging or selling fireworks where a local ordinance prohibits them exposes violators to municipal fines and citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are consumer fireworks legal in Tennessee?

Yes. DOT 1.4G consumer fireworks are legal statewide, sold by State Fire Marshal-permitted retailers. But cities and counties may restrict or fully ban their sale, possession, and discharge under § 68-104-116.

Can a Tennessee city ban fireworks entirely?

Yes. Under T.C.A. § 68-104-116 a municipality or county may regulate, restrict, or totally prohibit fireworks. Cities such as Franklin and Brentwood ban sale, possession, and discharge outright.

Sources

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