Vermont Statewide Rule

Vermont Fireworks Ban and Display Permits (20 V.S.A. ch. 177)

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Vermont (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: 20 V.S.A. ch. 177, secs. 3131-3135
Consumer fireworks: Banned
Sparklers: Under 14 inches allowed
Display permit: Municipality plus Public Safety
Max fine (general): $100 or 30 days

Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: 20 V.S.A. Chapter 177 - Explosives and Fireworks

Summary

Vermont bans the sale, possession, and use of consumer fireworks statewide under 20 V.S.A. chapter 177. Only sparklers under 14 inches and listed novelties are exempt. Public displays need a municipal permit plus a state certificate of competency.

(a) Except as provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, co-partnership, or corporation to do any of the following: (1) Offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail or wholesale, or possess fireworks unless the person has been issued a permit by both the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the municipality in which the person offers for sale and stores the fireworks. (2) Use, possess, or explode any fireworks unless the person has been issued a permit to display fireworks pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

Source: 20 V.S.A. Chapter 177 - Explosives and FireworksView official code

Full Breakdown

Under 20 V.S.A. chapter 177 (subchapter 3, sections 3131-3135), fireworks may not be sold, possessed, used, or exploded without a display permit. Display fireworks require a permit from the municipal officers or selectboard plus a certificate of competency from the Commissioner of Public Safety. Exempt items are sparklers under 14 inches holding no more than 20 grams of pyrotechnic material and listed novelties such as party poppers, snakes, and snappers. Importing or selling consumer fireworks without a permit is a misdemeanor. Local authorities issue display permits but cannot legalize private consumer fireworks.

Violations & Penalties

Violating the fireworks subchapter is a misdemeanor: a fine up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail. Presenting an unpermitted indoor display carries a fine up to $5,000 or up to one year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy fireworks in another state and bring them home?

No. Possessing or importing consumer fireworks without a permit is unlawful in Vermont under 20 V.S.A. chapter 177, regardless of where they were purchased.

Are sparklers legal in Vermont?

Yes. Sparklers under 14 inches with up to 20 grams of pyrotechnic material and listed novelties are exempt, but aerials, firecrackers, and bottle rockets are not.

How are public displays approved?

Operators must obtain a certificate of competency from the Department of Public Safety and a display permit from the local selectboard or municipal officers.

Sources

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