Fireworks In The Yard
N.J.S.A. 21:3-2 — fireworks are unlawful, and sparkling devices and novelties are lawful at 16
In New Jersey, the sale, exposure for sale, use, distribution or possession of fireworks, except as the chapter provides, is declared against the public health, safety and welfare. It is unlawful to sell, possess, use or explode firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, bombs, other fireworks of like construction, or any article prepared to produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, other than aviation and railroad signal light flares.
Sparkling devices and novelties, at 16. A person 16 years of age or older may sell, store, possess or use sparkling devices and novelties, which are not fireworks under the definition: wood stick or wire sparklers of not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item; hand held or ground based sparkling devices that are non-explosive and non-aerial, with 75 grams or less per tube or a total of 500 grams or less for multiple tubes; and snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers such as party poppers, snappers and drop pops. A municipality may not further regulate them, except that their storage and sale follow the national fire code standard the section names.
| The conduct | What it is |
|---|---|
| The conductSelling, offering or exposing for sale, or possessing with intent to sell fireworks | What it isA crime of the fourth degree |
| The conductPurchasing, using, discharging, igniting, firing or possessing fireworks | What it isA petty disorderly persons offense |
Who may buy. Fireworks may be sold only to a person named as the authorized purchaser in a valid permit, or to the owner, manager or designated employee of a registered, legally operated commercial enterprise, with the permit presented at the time of purchase.
Permits for public displays, the rules for fireworks plants and storage, and local rules on noise are not on this page. Whether a particular item is a firework or a novelty is a question for a licensed New Jersey attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- N.J.S.A. 21:3-2 — Sale, possession or use prohibited; exceptions
- N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 — Sale, use, etc., declared against public health, safety and welfare
- N.J.S.A. 21:3-8 — Penalties for violations
- N.J.S.A. 21:2-2 — General definitions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.