Connecticut: Are fireworks legal?
Connecticut bans fireworks except non-explosive, non-aerial sparklers and fountains, which people 16 and older may buy and use.
State law defines 'fireworks' to exclude sparklers and fountains, then bans the sale, use and possession of fireworks. People 16 or older may buy and use sparklers and fountains that are non-explosive and non-aerial and hold no more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item. Firecrackers, rockets, Roman candles and other aerial or exploding items are illegal for private use. Supervised public displays need a state permit and a licensed operator.
Conditions
- Must be 16 or older to buy or use sparklers and fountains
- Sparklers and fountains must be non-explosive, non-aerial and no more than 100 grams per item
What the law says
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no person, firm or corporation shall offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail or use or explode or possess with intent to sell, use or explode any fireworks. A person who is sixteen years of age or older may offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, purchase, use or possess with intent to sell or use sparklers or fountains of not more than one hundred grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item, which are nonexplosive and nonaerial, provided (1) such sparklers and fountains do not contain magnesium, except for magnalium or magnesium-aluminum alloy, (2) such sparklers and fountains containing any chlorate or perchlorate salts do not exceed five grams of composition per item, and (3) when more than one fountain is mounted on a common base, the total pyrotechnic composition does not exceed two hundred grams.
Sources
- Conn. Gen. Stat. 29-356 and 29-357 (Chapter 541) Official · cga.ct.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (fireworks permits)
- Website
- portal.ct.gov
How bordering states compare
- Massachusetts Consumer fireworks bannedMassachusetts bans all consumer fireworks, including sparklers, for private persons.
- New York Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyNew York allows only sparklers and fountains, and only outside New York City and counties that banned them; aerial and exploding fireworks are illegal.
- Rhode Island Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyRhode Island allows ground-based and hand-held sparkling devices for people 16 and older, but aerial consumer fireworks require a permit.
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