Maryland: Are fireworks legal?
Maryland bans consumer fireworks but excludes certain sparklers and nonaerial, nonexplosive ground sparkling devices, which some counties ban too.
State law defines fireworks broadly and requires a State Fire Marshal permit to discharge or sell them. Sparklers without chlorates or perchlorates, labeled ground-based sparkling devices that are nonaerial and nonexplosive, snakes, snappers and toy caps are excluded from that definition. Aerial and exploding consumer fireworks remain illegal for private use. A state permit does not override local ordinances, and some counties and Baltimore City have stricter rules, including on sparklers.
Conditions
- Only excluded sparklers, nonaerial nonexplosive ground sparkling devices and novelties allowed without a permit
- State Fire Marshal permit required to discharge other fireworks
- Local ordinances still apply and may ban sparklers
What the law says
Unless the person holds a permit issued under this subtitle, a person may not: ... "Fireworks" does not include ... sparklers that do not contain chlorates or perchlorates; ... ground-based sparkling devices that are nonaerial and nonexplosive
Sources
- Md. Code, Public Safety § 10-101 (definitions) Official · mgaleg.maryland.gov
- Md. Code, Public Safety § 10-110 (permit required) Official · mgaleg.maryland.gov
- Md. Code, Public Safety § 10-103 (permits and local ordinances) Official · mgaleg.maryland.gov
- Md. Code, Public Safety § 10-104 (permit to discharge) Official · mgaleg.maryland.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal
How bordering states compare
- Delaware Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyDelaware allows only sparklers, non-aerial ground sparkling devices and novelties, and only on July 4, Diwali, December 31 and January 1.
- Pennsylvania Aerial fireworks allowedPennsylvania lets anyone 18 or older buy, possess and use consumer fireworks, including aerial ones, with distance and permission rules.
- Virginia Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyVirginia allows only 'permissible fireworks' such as sparklers, fountains and wheels; anything that explodes, flies or shoots projectiles is banned.
- West Virginia Aerial fireworks allowedWest Virginia allows adults 18 and older to buy and use the full range of consumer fireworks.