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Are fireworks legal in Liberty Township?
Liberty Township follows the rules and laws set forth by the state of Ohio with regard to fireworks. See the information below for specific details regarding to fireworks.
What fireworks are legal in Ohio? Yes, Ohio House Bill 172 took effect on July 1st, 2022 and it allows consumer grade 1.4g fireworks to be discharged on the following days of the year.
July 3, 4, and 5, and the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays immediately preceding and following July 4
- Labor Day weekend (1st Monday in September and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that Monday)
- Diwali
- New Year’s Eve (4 p.m.-11:59 p.m.)
- New Year’s Day (also 12 a.m.-1 a.m.)
- Chinese New Year
- Cinco de Mayo
- Memorial Day weekend (last Monday in May and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that Monday)
- Juneteenth (June 19)
Keep in mind that even trick and novelty fireworks can cause serious injury. Here are some safety tips:
- Handle and discharge trick and novelty devices only under adult supervision.
- Appoint one adult to be in charge. This person should know the hazards of each type of firework being used.
- Carefully read and follow the label directions on the trick and novelty device packaging.
- Light only one sparkler at a time and hold it away from your body and others.
- Sparkler wires, which can burn up to 1800 degrees, should immediately be placed in a bucket of water to avoid injury as they remain hot for a few minutes after burnout.
If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for two or three minutes and seek medical attention when necessary.
Ohioans may buy consumer, or 1.4g (fire crackers, bottle rockets, etc.), fireworks from a licensed wholesaler or manufacturer; however, they cannot be discharged in the state. Consumer fireworks purchased in Ohio must be taken out of the state within 48 hours of the purchase. – Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3743.65
Who can shoot consumer fireworks in Ohio?
Only a licensed fireworks exhibitor can shoot consumer fireworks in Ohio. Interested applicants must apply with the Bureau of Testing and Registration (T&R), pass an exam, and complete a background check. Applicants must submit a letter of proficiency in the handling and discharging of fireworks from an Ohio licensed exhibitor or possess a certified copy of a fireworks license from another state.
What is the process for fireworks exhibitions?
An exhibition permit is required for all firework exhibitions, which is issued by the local fire chief, police chief or county sheriff. The permit specifies the date, time, location and various other parameters of how the exhibition will be executed. Applicants must be a licensed fireworks exhibitor, and the fireworks must be purchased from an Ohio licensed wholesaler, manufacturer, or out-of-state shipper. Authorities inspect the exhibition site before, during and after the exhibition using a State Fire Marshal issued checklist. Federal, state and local laws and regulations must be followed. The exhibition must also comply with safety provisions of the ORC and the Ohio Fire Code (ORC. 3743.50 – 3743.56). During the shoot, only registered employees and the certified fire safety official are allowed within the discharge site.
Are there penalties for failing to follow Ohio’s fireworks laws?
Yes. Most first-time violations are first-degree misdemeanors, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. Illegal fireworks can be confiscated by law enforcement authorities. Violations include failing to transport fireworks out of state within the specified time period and discharging fireworks.
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