Virginia: Are fireworks legal?
Virginia allows only 'permissible fireworks' such as sparklers, fountains and wheels; anything that explodes, flies or shoots projectiles is banned.
State law defines permissible fireworks as devices that don't explode, don't move under their own power and don't fire projectiles, with limits on spark distance. The State Fire Marshal publishes a yearly list of approved products, and only listed items may be sold and used. Use on private property with the owner's consent is allowed unless a local ordinance forbids it, and many localities ban all fireworks.
Conditions
- Only items on the State Fire Marshal's permissible fireworks list
- Use on private property with the owner's consent
- Local ordinances may ban use
What the law says
Unless prohibited by a local ordinance, the provisions of this chapter pertaining to fireworks shall not apply to the sale of or to any person using, igniting or exploding permissible fireworks on private property with the consent of the owner of such property.
Sources
- Va. Code 27-96.1 Official · law.lis.virginia.gov
- Va. Code 27-95 (definitions) Official · law.lis.virginia.gov
- Va. Code 27-97 Official · law.lis.virginia.gov
- Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Guide to Fireworks in the Commonwealth (2025) Official · vdfp.virginia.gov
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Virginia Department of Fire Programs, State Fire Marshal's Office
- Phone
- 804-371-0220
- Website
- vdfp.virginia.gov
How bordering states compare
- Kentucky Aerial fireworks allowedKentucky allows adults 18 and older to buy and use consumer fireworks, including aerial devices and firecrackers.
- Maryland Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyMaryland bans consumer fireworks but excludes certain sparklers and nonaerial, nonexplosive ground sparkling devices, which some counties ban too.
- North Carolina Sparklers and ground fireworks onlyNorth Carolina allows sparklers, fountains and other ground or hand-held sparkling devices, but bans fireworks that explode, spin or fly.
- Tennessee Aerial fireworks allowedTennessee allows standard consumer (Class C) fireworks, which include aerial items, to buyers 16 and older, except in its largest counties.
- West Virginia Aerial fireworks allowedWest Virginia allows adults 18 and older to buy and use the full range of consumer fireworks.