Fireworks In The Yard
G.L. c. 148, § 39 — no fireworks, sparklers included
In Massachusetts, no person may sell, keep or offer for sale, possess, use or explode fireworks, and the section's list of fireworks includes firecrackers, cherry bombs, Roman candles, rockets, fountains and sparklers.
The penalties. Selling, keeping or offering fireworks for sale is punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Possessing, using or exploding them is punishable by a fine of not less than ten dollars nor more than one hundred dollars.
Seizure. An officer qualified to serve criminal process seizes the fireworks without a warrant, and they are forfeited to the commonwealth on conviction.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionSparklers are allowed everywhere | What the law actually doesThe section's list of fireworks includes sparklers |
| The assumptionFireworks bought out of state are lawful to use here | What the law actually doesPossessing or using fireworks is itself a violation of the section |
Local ordinances, homeowners' association rules, fire restrictions, and the licensing of sellers and display operators run alongside these sections and are not all on this page. Whether a particular device or a particular night is allowed where someone lives is a question for the local fire authority or a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 148, § 39 — Sales, possession, use of fireworks
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.