Will Fireworks Be Legal in Massachusetts

I wasn`t aware that some states require you to have a fireworks license before you can buy one. Fireworks are dangerous and we have seen that they can cause massive fires if not used properly. I love shooting them, but I think only responsible people should be able to buy them. Between 2012 and 2021, the Massachusetts Fire Department reported more than 900 fires related to illegal fireworks. If you think $10 to $100 isn`t a big deal, read on. The real risk with fireworks is the security threat they pose – to nearby people and property. Unlicensed users could easily injure someone or start a fire. Accidents happen every year, in fairly large numbers. See below for national statistics. What are the criminal penalties for illegal fireworks in Massachusetts? Massachusetts has some of the strictest fireworks laws in the country.

According to Section 39 of Chapter 148 of the Massachusetts General Act, the use of fireworks or fuels with visual or auditory effects is against the law. It is illegal to sell, keep, possess, use, control or explode flammable substances or objects prepared to produce a visible or audible effect. The law prohibits any object intended to explode, burn, explode or extinguish to cause noise or visual effects. This includes all types of fireworks. Every year, thousands of people gather to celebrate July 4 in Massachusetts. Most people celebrate with a staple: fireworks. While it`s a great way to take the family to a professional fireworks display to celebrate the occasion, buying fireworks yourself isn`t. The state of Massachusetts prohibits the purchase, possession, and use of all fireworks by those who do not have a professional license in the state. You can`t be arrested for possession of fireworks in Massachusetts, but you can be fined $10 to $100. The police are obliged to confiscate them. The best thing you can do for your family – for safety and legal reasons – is to leave the fireworks to the professionals on July 4th.

In 2018 alone, about 9,100 people in the U.S. had to go to the emergency room for injuries from fireworks. Fireworks can cause severe burns, eye and ear injuries. Children under the age of 15 accounted for 36% of fireworks emergency rooms in 2018. The fireworks also caused about 19,500 fires, leaving 46 injured and 5 dead. Using fireworks is illegal for everyone in Massachusetts except licensed professionals. The DFS provides information to the fireworks industry and fire safety officers who enforce fireworks laws. Firefighters ensure that professional fireworks are safe for spectators and shooters.

In some States, this may depend on the circumstances. But remember: MA home insurance does not cover you for damage caused by illegal acts. And because fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts, any incident involving private use wouldn`t be covered by insurance. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said, “In 2020, an estimated 1,600 fireworks-related emergency room injuries and 900 magic-sparklers were treated.” This accounted for nearly 10% of all fireworks injuries this year. Of these 900 sparklet injuries, 44% were in children under 5 years of age. According to the state, there have been 944 fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts over the past 10 years, causing three civilian injuries, 43 firefighter injuries and millions of dollars in damage. Again, MA home insurance does not cover you for damage caused by illegal acts. While your landlord`s policy includes liability insurance (for people who could be injured on your property), fireworks-related cases are likely to be excluded – not covered.

And that means you could be responsible for expensive medical or legal expenses. In keeping with the slogan “Leave it to the professionals,” the state maintains a list of professional fireworks to visit this summer. You can check with your local community or find it here: www.mass.gov/doc/municipal-fireworks-displays-updated-june-3-2022/download. Here is a list of fireworks considered illegal in Massachusetts: You could face stiff penalties if law enforcement caught you possessing, selling, or using fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts without a professional license. The typical penalty includes forfeiture of the firecracker and the fine of the offender of $10 to $100. If you are caught illegally selling fireworks, you can face a fine of $100 to $1,000. In some cases, selling illegal fireworks in Massachusetts could result in up to a year in jail. Despite the blanket ban on fireworks in Massachusetts, criminal penalties for possession of illegal fireworks in Massachusetts are relatively low. You can`t be arrested just because you have firecrackers. You can be fined up to $100.00 for possession. However, the police are forced to confiscate the fireworks. Those operations will resume this summer, officials said in the statement.

By 2021, most annual professionally organized fireworks were back, and fire safety officials are encouraging people to participate instead of experiencing illegal or dangerous fireworks in your own backyard. Because possession of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts, accidents involving fireworks can result in civil liability. However, it can be difficult to obtain compensation for burns caused by illegal fireworks. However, fireworks cannot be used in the state of Massachusetts without a license. The law to ensure the safety of residents. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 66% of all fireworks injuries occur on or around the fourth of July. Sparklers alone can reach 1200 degrees. The internet is exploding with fireworks alternatives. A two-minute Google search returns ideas such as: bubble machines, glow sticks, glowing hula hoops, silly string, LED balloons. and more. Take the time to explore these other colorful options.

Your guests (and your insurance company) will thank you. Massachusetts` fireworks law is pretty simple: if you don`t have a professional license, it`s illegal to use it. It`s also illegal to sell fireworks or have fireworks in your possession (even if you bought them legally in another state). Consumer fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts and most New England states, with the exception of New Hampshire and Maine, where some of the injuries caused by the region`s fireworks are likely to occur. So you`re wondering where and how to safely and legally enjoy fireworks this summer? We have answers to your most frequently asked questions, Massachusetts. With warm weather comes crackling, shimmering and colored tails in the sky. Fireworks are a favorite of the season when done safely and legally. In short, if someone is injured with fireworks that you light or provide, or if you set off fireworks that cause a fire that results in injury, you could be held liable for civil damages. If you are injured by fireworks or fireworks caused by fireworks, you may need to know who bought these fireworks in order to prevail in a civil lawsuit. If you or someone you know has a professional fireworks license, use fireworks responsibly. Never let minors use or light fireworks. Even sparklers can burn hot enough to melt metal.

They can cause serious injury in childhood. Do not use fireworks near nearby structures or vegetation. Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol. Keep a bucket of water and fire extinguisher handy in case of emergency. The best way to protect yourself from fireworks injuries on Independence Day is to attend a professional show as a spectator. Find fireworks near you and celebrate the holidays responsibly. If you want to buy and use fireworks yourself, you`ll need to go through the process to get a professional exhibition license in Massachusetts.