Michigan: Are fireworks legal?
Michigan allows consumer fireworks, including aerial ones, but local governments may limit when they can be set off.
The Michigan Fireworks Safety Act defines consumer fireworks by federal safety rules and the industry standard (APA 87-1). The sections it lists include aerial and audible devices. Ground and handheld sparklers are a separate 'low-impact' category. Cities, villages and townships may regulate when fireworks are used. On key holiday days they can't restrict use after 11 a.m., and an ordinance violation carries a $1,000 civil fine. Sellers need a yearly state consumer fireworks certificate.
Conditions
- Local ordinances may set use hours, except after 11 a.m. on protected days: Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1; the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day; June 29 to July 4; July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday; the Saturday and Sunday before Labor Day (until 11:45 p.m.)
- $1,000 civil fine for violating a local fireworks ordinance
- Sellers need an annual state consumer fireworks certificate
What the law says
"Consumer fireworks" means fireworks devices that are designed to produce visible effects by combustion, that are required to comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations promulgated by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 CFR parts 1500 and 1507, and that are listed in APA Standard 87-1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, or 3.5. ... If a local unit of government enacts an ordinance under this subsection, the ordinance shall not regulate the ignition, discharge, or use of consumer fireworks on the following days after 11 a.m.:
Sources
- MCL 28.452 (definitions) Official · legislature.mi.gov
- MCL 28.457 (local ordinances) Official · legislature.mi.gov
- MCL 28.454 (consumer fireworks certificate) Official · legislature.mi.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Fire Services
- Website
- michigan.gov
How bordering states compare
- Indiana Aerial fireworks allowedIndiana allows adults to buy and use consumer fireworks, including aerial devices and firecrackers, on their own or permitted property.
- Ohio Aerial fireworks allowedSince July 2022, Ohio adults may set off 1.4G consumer fireworks, including aerial ones, on set holidays unless their local government bans them.
- Wisconsin Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyWisconsin allows sparklers, fountains and similar ground items, but anything that explodes or flies requires a local user's permit.