If you plan to celebrate the 4th of July or New Years Eve in South Carolina and want to buy some fireworks to light during the holidays, it is important to know the state laws regarding pyrotechnic displays.
As a general rule of thumb, South Carolina’s fireworks laws are quite flexible, especially compared to the stricter regulations in neighboring North Carolina. In fact, almost all consumer grade fireworks are legal in the state.
However, you must be 16 to purchase fireworks in South Carolina. They cannot be sold from a tent, canopy, malleable structure, or car, but must be purchased from a licensed and registered fireworks stand or tent.
If you plan to host larger, more professional fireworks displays in South Carolina, you will need to submit a request to the State Fire Marshal at least 15 business days prior to the show. There is an insurance requirement, and you can find more information on the official state website.
Legal and illegal fireworks in South Carolina
South Carolina fireworks laws are no less strict than North Carolina, they are much less strict than most states. In fact, anything that is not federally prohibited is allowed in the state, including rockets, mortars, spinners, cakes, and aerial fireworks.
It is quite common for residents of North Carolina (and other states) to slip just across the border to purchase the highest grade fireworks, but remember that it is still illegal to own many fireworks purchased in South Carolina in other state; be sure to visit North Carolina Fireworks Regulations if you plan to purchase your fireworks in the southern state and bring them back to the north.
There are some fireworks that you can’t have in the Palmetto state. Large explosive firecrackers like M-80 and Cherry Bombs are illegal in the state as well as on the federal level, and small rockets are specifically prohibited if they are less than half an inch in diameter and less than three inches long.
Each municipality establishes a curfew for fireworks. In some counties, the curfew extends to the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. Check with the city website or local newspaper for this information.
Fireworks Safety Tips for South Carolina
Since South Carolina’s fireworks laws are quite flexible, many people assume that they are much more dangerous, which is not necessarily the case. As long as fireworks are treated with respect and rules are followed, injury to people or property can be reduced.
In fact, the majority of fireworks injuries that occur annually from fireworks are from smaller devices, such as fountains and flares. The National Fireworks Safety Council offers these tips:
- Know your fireworks; read caution labels and performance descriptions before powering up.
- A responsible adult must supervise all fireworks activities. Never give fireworks to children.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time and then quickly walk away.
- Never light a “bad” firework again. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Always have a bucket of water and a loaded water hose nearby.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by moistening them and place them in a metal trash can away from any buildings or combustible materials until the next day.
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