People generally associate the Fourth of July with fireworks. While they are a fun and exciting form of entertainment, they can also be very dangerous. Fireworks can become as hot as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can lead to severe burns, amputations, lacerations, and blindness. With the Fourth of July approaching, it is important to be aware of Georgia’s firework regulations and how to stay safe. 

Firework Laws

The state of Georgia legalized selling novelty fireworks, such as sparklers, in 2005. Since then, the sale of all consumer fireworks became legal. Residents who are 18 or older are allowed to purchase the following fireworks in retail stores across the state:

• Bottle rockets
• Sky rockets
• Roman candles
• Firecrackers
• Sparklers
• Missiles
• Novelties
• Crackle and strobe
• Parachutes 
• Wheels and spinners
• Smoke and punk
• Fountains
• Sky flyers
• Display shells
• Aerial items

What is Illegal?

While people within Georgia are legally allowed to use fireworks, there are some limitations. In addition to the age requirement, there are certain places that people are not able to use them. This can include:

• Within 100 feet of an electric plant, water treatment plant, waste-water treatment plant, gas stations, refineries, electric substations, jails or prisons, helipads, hospitals, nursing homes, any health care facility
• Within a park, historic site, recreational area, or other state properties
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• If the state is under drought

Generally, there is a time limit during the day in which fireworks can be ignited. These hours may be extended by the authorities for holidays such as the Fourth of July.

Safety Tips

When using fireworks, it is important to be safe and take the right precautions. The following are helpful safety tips to keep in mind when igniting fireworks:

• Always supervise children 
• Do not allow young children to ignite or play with fireworks
• Keep a bucket of water close by just in case of a fire
• Do not shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers
• Do not shoot fireworks at people
• Keep a safe distance when lighting the fuse
• Do not re-light fireworks that do not fully ignite
• Put used fireworks in water before discarding them

Contact our Firm

Alfred Law Firm, LLC is proud to serve clients in Georgia when they face legal matters related to family law and criminal defense. When legal issues arise, it is important to have the guidance of an experienced attorney that can help you obtain a favorable outcome. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.