Michigan’s Fireworks Law: Keeping Your Family Safe

Find out what's what with Michigan's fireworks law and get tips on how your family can safely, and legally, enjoy fireworks this summer.

No more traveling to Ohio for those consumer-grade fireworks.

On Jan. 1, 2012 Michigan enacted a new firework law, allowing state residents to purchase and shoot off bigger fireworks, year-round.

The potential dangers of the regulations are raising concerns, among both southeast Michigan families and public safety departments.

In the July 2015 issue of Metro Parent, Children’s Hospital of Michigan shed some light on firework safety and concerns in the post Are There Safe Fireworks for Kids? And in December of 2018, House Bill 5939 significantly cut the days in which residents can light off fireworks.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about Michigan’s fireworks law, as well as safety precautions to take with fireworks around your family this Independence Day and in the days surrounding the holiday.

About the fireworks law

The Michigan Fireworks Safety Act – or Public Act 256 of 2011 – altered the rules on what size fireworks Michiganders can buy, and also when they can shoot them off.

Consumer-grade fireworks are now legal for purchase from state-authorized retailers, and must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards, the law notes. This genre includes Roman candles, bottle rockets, aerials and missile-type rockets, according to a state press release (download a PDF of the full list of legal fireworks in Michigan here).

Michigan has put rules in place to regulate the sale of consumer fireworks, though.

Residents must be at least 18 years old to buy the fireworks, the state release notes, and retailers must apply for certification to sell the fireworks – which can’t be shot off on school grounds or public property. Fireworks also cannot be used on private property without permission from the property owner.

There are punishments in place for people who cause fire or injury with fireworks of any kind, as well as retailers who sell fireworks without certification from the state, the state adds.

The 2011 law prevented local governments from setting ordinances on certain days, which allowed residents to shoot off fireworks more days of the year, but House Bill 5939 of 2018 reversed that and allowed communities to set regulations.

However, the bill also states that communities can not regulate fireworks on certain holidays. According to the bill, families can now legally shoot off unrestricted fireworks on the following dates:

  • Dec. 31- Jan. 1 until 1 a.m.
  • The Saturday and Sunday prior to Memorial Day until 11:45 p.m.
  • June 29-July 4 until 11:45 p.m.
  • July 5 until 11:45 p.m. (if it’s a Friday or Saturday)
  • The Saturday and Sunday prior to Labor Day until 11:45 p.m.

Those who violated ordinances set by a community are subject to a fine of $1000 for each offense.

Safety tips for shooting off fireworks

So how do these laws affect your family, and how can you ensure you and the kids enjoy a safe Independence Day?

Former Shelby Township fire marshal Edward Vojtush recommends that kids under the age of 12 not be permitted to use fireworks – even sparklers – without adult supervision.

Vojtush does express concerns regarding the Michigan’s fireworks law.

“I can’t imagine us having less injuries or fires as we had in years past,” he says. “Obviously, from (the fire department’s) point of view, if you want to enjoy fireworks, go to a professional display.”

Vojtush recommends that those who do decide to light off their own consumer-grade fireworks do so in “an open area away from homes, buildings and spectators.”

The fire marshal’s bottom line: “Use common sense, stay safe and be mindful of other people’s property.”

But wait! Before you go gung-ho, the state recommends you keep these things in mind, too:

  • Stand far away and back off after lighting.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s directions, and only buy fireworks from authorized retailers.
  • Do not get risky: Don’t make your own fireworks, point or throw them at people, or carry them in your pockets.
  • Keep a bucket of water or hose on hand in case of a fire. Then, when the fireworks stop burning, dunk them in the water bucket or spray with a hose.
  • Never try to relight a firework that didn’t ignite the first time, or reuse duds. Wait 15-20 minutes, and then put them in the water bucket or spray with the hose.

This post was originally published in 2015 and is updated regularly. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Avoid the Morning Madness! The Must-Know Bus Guide for Ann Arbor Schools

Use our quick guide to learn more about which Ann Arbor Public Schools bus routes are available for you and your family. 

Epic Snow Tubing Adventures Just a Short Drive from Detroit

Looking for winter fun? Check out these kid-friendly snow tubing spots near Metro Detroit for an unforgettable day of snowy thrills

Too Cold Outside? 7 Genius Ways to Bring the Snow Fun Indoors

Too cold to play outside? Bring the winter fun indoors with these creative snow-themed activities that keep kids entertained for hours!



- Advertisement -