Keep it Legal this 4th of July

Author: Mark D. Hofstee
Date: 07/13/2009

The 4th of July is one of the most exciting holidays of the year. Cookouts, parades and an evening of spectacular fireworks after the sun goes down. However, if you’re tempted to conduct your own fireworks display with items you purchased on your drive home from spring break last April, there are a few things to consider. In addition to the risk of damage to both person and property, nearly everything we consider to be a “firework” is illegal in Michigan. Without a permit, only these items are allowed:

- Flat paper caps containing not more than .25 of a grain of explosive content
- Toy noise makers, toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes, toy trick noise makers, and toy guns in which paper caps are used
- Sparklers containing no more than .0125 pounds of burning portion per sparkler
- Flitter sparkler tubes not exceeding 1/8 inch in diameter.
- Cone and cylinder fountains emitting showers of sparks
- Toy snakes not containing mercury and packed no more than 12 per box
- Toy smoke devices

Fireworks that do not fit the above exceptions are most likely illegal for sale, use, or transportation without a permit. Essentially, anything that explodes, makes noise, leaves the ground or spins is illegal. That includes cherry bombs, Blackcats, M-80s, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinning wheels and torches. Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor which may result in a fine or up to 90 days in jail.
We encourage you to have fun this 4th of July, but try to stay within the law!