Until 2012, Michigan was one of a large group of states that banned consumer fireworks in favor of “safe and healthy” fireworks. In other words, unless you have a specific license to display public fireworks, the only legal fireworks in Michigan were ground devices, portable flares, or novelty fireworks like snakes, Party Poppers, and snaps. While you could legally buy Roman candles, bottle rockets, or firecrackers in nearby states, you couldn’t legally light them in Michigan.
Michigan Fireworks Ban
The Michigan Fireworks Safety Act 256 of 2011 changed all that by greatly expanding the fireworks available for sale and use in the state. These days, in addition to low-impact fireworks and novelty items, legal fireworks in Michigan include aerial fireworks and firecrackers. According to fireworks in Michigan released by LARA, consumer fireworks now legal to sell and use in Michigan include:
- Bottle rockets
- Sky rockets
- Rechargeable shell devices
- Roman candles
- Firecrackers
- Missile rockets
- Helicopter / Aerial Spinners
- Single tube device with report
It’s about the money, money, money
The main reason the number and type of legal fireworks in Michigan expanded was to increase state revenue. In addition to the sales tax increase generated by the sale of fireworks in Michigan (compared to the state), the state imposed a 6% safety fee collected by vendors for firefighter training. Sellers also pay application fees to obtain a Consumer Fireworks Certificate, a permit / license to sell consumer fireworks.
Using fireworks in Michigan
You must be 18 years or older to purchase fireworks and may not use them under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you are 18 years of age or older, you may purchase consumer fireworks from a vendor in a permanent structure or “store” displaying a Consumer Fireworks Safety Certificate. Note: Smoking is legally prohibited within or within 50 feet of a retail sales area.
You may not use fireworks on public property or school. If you use fireworks on private property, you must do so with the owner’s permission.
In addition to the annual Target Fireworks and River Days in downtown Detroit, there are a host of professional fireworks scheduled in the Metro-Detroit area during the summer months.
Local government restrictions / regulations
While local governments have the authority under the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act to restrict or regulate the use of fireworks within their borders, they were originally prohibited from enacting ordinances affecting the sale or use of consumer fireworks. in the days immediately following a holiday. In other words, state law exceeded local law regarding fireworks 35 days a year.
However, a June 2013 amendment to Michigan’s Fireworks Safety Act gives local governments a little more power.
They are now allowed to restrict the use of fireworks during night hours on holidays and the days around them. Depending on the size of the local municipality, you can restrict the use of fireworks from midnight or from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. The Michigan Fireworks Safety Act also authorizes a local government to impose a fine of up to $ 500 per violation.
Fireworks injuries
Legalizing consumer fireworks certainly gives Michigan more money for the blast, but what are the consequences? According to an article in the Detroit Free Press , the lifting of the consumer fireworks ban has not resulted in a significant increase in fireworks-related injuries in Metro Detroit, at least around the July 4 holiday. That said, more than 40% of fireworks injuries reported nationally are the result of consumer fireworks (those prohibited in Michigan prior to the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act).
Note: The percentage may be higher because 29% of reported fireworks injuries were from unspecified fireworks.
Flares represent the highest percentage of fireworks injuries reported nationally from any type of fireworks (17%). Reloadable projectiles (14%) and firecrackers (13%) also top the list. 46% of fireworks injuries are to the hands and fingers. 40% of fireworks injuries are suffered by people ages 25 to 44. 68% of fireworks injuries are suffered by men, who are the most injured by firecrackers, flares, bottle rockets, novelty devices, Roman candles and rechargeable projectiles.
