Last year, twelve persons were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries resulting from the use of fireworks. Once again, we are entering the fireworks season and I would like to acquaint you with New Jersey's Fireworks Laws.
New Jersey's laws on fireworks, N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq., are very restrictive. In some states, fireworks are permitted to be sold to, and used by, the public. However, in New Jersey,
only paper or plastic caps for use in toy guns are legal.
Sparkler and novelty items, such as cigarette loads, trick matches, trick noise makers, smoke grenades, toy propellants, snaps & pops, poppetts and champagne poppers, as well as firecrackers, roman candles, rockets, etc., are all illegal in this state. Do not be fooled by a salesperson who tries to tell you that they are authorized to be sold by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, or are sold by mail order houses, or are permitted to be sold in other states, or are permitted to be shipped by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
I repeat - the only fireworks that can legally be sold and used in New Jersey are paper and plastic caps for toy cap guns. If you have any doubt when approached by a salesperson, call our office at (609) 292-2096
for verification.
The Fireworks Laws are jointly enforced by municipalities and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The law states that the sale or possession of fireworks, with intent to sell, is a crime of the fourth degree. Any person found guilty of possessing fireworks, including sparklers, with the intention of selling them, can be fined up to $7,500 and/or imprisoned up to 18 months. Any person found using fireworks illegally can be fined up to $500 and/or imprisoned for up to 30 days.
If you have any questions or comments about the Fireworks Laws, feel free to contact the Office of Public Safety Compliance at (609) 292-2096.
Be safe this holiday weekend and leave the fireworks to the expert companies hired to do legal displays. While fireworks may be legally purchased in other states, they are contraband once you cross back into New Jersey. Our laws are strict in New Jersey but they are intended to prevent life-threatening bodily injuries and harm.
Be safe,
Captain Robert Palmer, Director
Montgomery Township Police Dept.
