COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – With the Fourth of July around the corner, Ohioans may be looking to set off their own fireworks display at home, but whether that's legal can differ based on a variety of factors.
Ohioans can legally set off fireworks on certain holidays, unless limited by local laws, under legislation signed by Gov. Mike DeWine that went into effect in 2022.
The law permits the detonation of 1.4G consumer-grade fireworks, defined as having no more than 50 milligrams of flash powder for ground displays or 130 milligrams of flash powder for aerial displays.
The legislation allows residents to light fireworks on July 3, 4 and 5, as well as the Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays immediately before and after Independence Day. Along with Fourth of July celebrations, the law allows fireworks to be lit on Labor Day weekend, Diwali, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day weekend and Juneteenth. The fireworks must be set off between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., except for New Year's Eve which is extended until 11:59 p.m. and New Year's Day, which allows fireworks between 12 a.m. to 1 a.m., along with 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ohioans may discharge fireworks on their property, or another person’s property who has given them explicit permission, but there are guidelines. No one under 18 years old is allowed to light or handle the fireworks, and they cannot be within 150 feet of the discharge point.
Additionally, no one may use fireworks under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. Anyone who violates this is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor under the law. Aerial devices, such as Roman candles and bottle rockets, cannot be discharged within 150 feet of spectators, and nonaerial devices, such as fountains and firecrackers, cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators.
Only fireworks purchased in Ohio are allowed to be discharged in Ohio. Consumers can purchase fireworks from any of the licensed sales locations throughout the state. Retailers are required to provide the customer with safety glasses and a safety pamphlet.
Cities like Reynoldsburg, New Albany, Powell, Obetz and Whitehall allow residents to set off fireworks during the holidays specified in Ohio law.
The following central Ohio areas maintain a ban:
Even the municipalities that allow fireworks may have their own guidelines, so residents should check their local ordinances to ensure they are following the law.
