Delaware: Are fireworks legal?
Delaware allows only sparklers, non-aerial ground sparkling devices and novelties, and only on July 4, Diwali, December 31 and January 1.
Firecrackers, rockets, Roman candles and other aerial or exploding fireworks are banned for private use. Handheld or ground-based sparkling devices that are non-explosive and non-aerial, plus snakes, smoke devices and party poppers, are exempt but may be sold only to people 18 and older in the 30 days before the allowed use days. Use is limited to July 4, the third day of Diwali, December 31 and January 1. A 2026 law keeps these rules but moves storage and sale standards to State Fire Prevention Commission rules starting January 1, 2027.
Conditions
- Buyer must be 18 or older
- Sales only in the 30 days before allowed use days
- Use only on July 4, the third day of Diwali, December 31 and January 1
- Ground sparkling devices must be non-explosive and non-aerial, 75 grams or less per tube
What the law says
(d) The sale of wood stick or wire sparklers which produce a shower of sparks upon ignition and which consist of wire or stick coated with not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item; other hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices which are nonexplosive and nonaerial, which sometimes produce a crackling or whistling effect, and which contain 75 grams or less of pyrotechnic mixture per tube or a total of 500 grams or less for multiple tubes; snakes, glow worms, and smoke devices which contain 20 grams or less of pyrotechnic mixture; or trick noisemakers, which include party poppers, snappers, and drop pops, each containing 16 milligrams or less of pyrotechnic mixture excepted under subsection (c) of this section is limited to persons 18 years of age and older during a 30-day period prior to and including the days of allowed use of these items, and the use of these items shall be limited to July 4, the third day of Diwali, December 31, and January 1 of each year.
Sources
- 16 Del. C. 6901 (Chapter 69, Fireworks) Official · delcode.delaware.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal
- Website
- statefiremarshal.delaware.gov
How bordering states compare
- Maryland Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyMaryland bans consumer fireworks but excludes certain sparklers and nonaerial, nonexplosive ground sparkling devices, which some counties ban too.
- New Jersey Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyNew Jersey allows sparklers, ground-based sparkling devices and novelties for people 16 and older, but bans aerial and exploding fireworks.
- Pennsylvania Aerial fireworks allowedPennsylvania lets anyone 18 or older buy, possess and use consumer fireworks, including aerial ones, with distance and permission rules.