Alabama: Are fireworks legal?
Alabama allows adults to buy and use the full range of federally approved 1.4G consumer fireworks, including aerial and exploding items.
State law permits Class C (1.4G) consumer fireworks, which it says include aerial devices, audible ground devices, sparkling devices and novelties. Seasonal stands may sell only from June 20 to July 10 and December 15 to January 2, while annual retailers may sell all year. Oversized 'illegal ground salutes' such as M-80-type items are banned. Cities may pass ordinances further restricting sale or use, so local rules often matter.
Conditions
- Class C (1.4G) consumer fireworks only
- Seasonal retail sales June 20 to July 10 and December 15 to January 2
- City ordinances may restrict sale or use further
What the law says
It shall be unlawful for an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation to possess, sell, or use within the State of Alabama, or ship into the State of Alabama, except as provided in Section 8-17-216, any pyrotechnics commonly known as "fireworks" other than items now or hereafter classified as Class C consumer fireworks by the United States Department of Transportation, including, but not limited to, aerial devices, audible ground devices, sparkling devices, and novelties and those items that comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations promulgated by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and permitted for use by the general public under their regulations.
Sources
- Ala. Code 8-17-210, 8-17-217, 8-17-226 as amended by SB55 (2021 Regular Session), Conference Committee Substitute Official · alison.legislature.state.al.us
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office
- Phone
- (334) 241-4166
- Website
- firemarshal.alabama.gov
How bordering states compare
- Florida Aerial fireworks allowedFlorida allows fireworks, including aerial ones, on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and July 4; other days, only approved sparklers and novelties.
- Georgia Aerial fireworks allowedGeorgia allows adults 18 and older to buy and use consumer fireworks, including Roman candles and aerial items, within state time and place limits.
- Mississippi Aerial fireworks allowedMississippi allows Class C consumer fireworks, including small Roman candles, rockets and firecrackers, sold only during set seasons.
- Tennessee Aerial fireworks allowedTennessee allows standard consumer (Class C) fireworks, which include aerial items, to buyers 16 and older, except in its largest counties.