Are Fireworks Legal In Maryland? Guide To State Laws

Most fireworks remain illegal in Maryland in 2025-26. Only gold-label sparklers without chlorates or perchlorates, ground-based sparkling devices that are non-aerial and non-explosive, and paper-wrapped snappers containing less than 0.03 grains of explosive composition are permitted under state law. Bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, fire balloons, and signal lights are all prohibited.

However, several Maryland counties have banned even these limited fireworks entirely.

What Types of Fireworks Are Legal in Maryland?

Maryland’s Public Safety Article, Title 10 establishes strict fireworks classifications. Under state law, these items are not classified as fireworks and are legal for consumer use:

Legal Fireworks in Maryland:

Hand-held sparklers without chlorates or perchlorates (gold-label only)
Toy pistols, toy canes, and toy guns using paper caps (constructed so hands cannot touch caps)
Ground-based sparkling devices that are non-aerial and non-explosive
Paper-wrapped snappers with less than 0.03 grains of explosive composition

Ground-based sparkler devices emit showers of sparks extending several feet into the air and may whistle, but they don’t pop, crack, explode, shoot projectiles, or move.

Illegal Fireworks in Maryland:

Bottle rockets
Firecrackers
Roman candles
M-80s and cherry bombs
Fire balloons
Signal lights
Aerial fireworks of any kind
Explosive fireworks
Fireworks that travel laterally

Purchasing fireworks in neighboring Pennsylvania and transporting them to Maryland is also illegal.

Local Bans: Where ALL Fireworks Are Prohibited

Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County have enacted total bans on all consumer fireworks, including sparklers. Ground-based sparklers are also prohibited in Ocean City, Harford County, and Howard County.

Complete Fireworks Bans:

Baltimore City
Montgomery County
Prince George’s County

Ground-Based Sparkler Bans:

Ocean City
Harford County
Howard County

In jurisdictions with total bans, only licensed professionals conducting permitted public displays may use fireworks.

Are Fireworks Legal in Maryland Complete Guide to State Laws

Maryland Fireworks Statute: Public Safety Title 10

Maryland Code, Public Safety Article, Title 10 governs all fireworks regulations. Section 10-110 prohibits possessing or discharging fireworks without required permits. The statute defines fireworks as combustible or explosive compositions designed to produce visible or audible effects through combustion, explosion, or detonation.

The law distinguishes between:

1.3 G fireworks: Special fireworks for professional displays producing visible or audible effects
1.4 G fireworks: Common consumer fireworks producing visible effects
Display fireworks: Require State Fire Marshal permits for public exhibitions
Consumer fireworks: Limited to the specific legal categories listed above

Penalties for Illegal Fireworks in Maryland

Violations carry serious consequences. Possessing or discharging illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $250. Selling fireworks without a permit carries fines up to $1,000.

State-Level Penalties:

Possession/discharge: Up to $250 fine
Sale without permit: Up to $1,000 fine
Criminal misdemeanor charges
Confiscation of fireworks

Local Penalties (Montgomery County): Violators face fines up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. Illegal possession may result in fines up to $500 per offense, while illegal sale can lead to fines up to $1,000 per offense.

Law enforcement officers can issue criminal citations and confiscate fireworks. Confiscated items must be turned over to the State Fire Marshal for disposal. These are criminal offenses, not civil infractions, meaning convictions create permanent criminal records.

Recent Legislative Changes: HB1002

A 2025 legislative proposal (HB1002) sought to authorize the sale and possession of certain consumer fireworks with restrictions, establish a 16% sales tax on consumer fireworks, and allow counties to opt out by adopting local prohibitions. The bill’s effective date was listed as October 1, 2025.

However, the bill died in committee and was opposed by the State Fire Marshal’s office. Maryland’s restrictive fireworks laws remain unchanged as of December 2025.

How Maryland Compares to Neighboring States

Maryland is among fifteen states—including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin—that allow only non-aerial and non-explosive fireworks.

Pennsylvania: All consumer fireworks legal; residents 18+ can purchase anytime from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on non-holidays. Pennsylvania imposes a 12% consumer fireworks tax plus 6% sales tax.

Virginia: Similar restrictions to Maryland, allowing only non-aerial, non-explosive fireworks with local jurisdictions imposing additional limits. Possession of illegal fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor with maximum penalties of $2,500 fine and/or one year in jail.

Delaware: Only non-aerial and non-explosive fireworks permitted.

Enforcement and Compliance

Maryland fire marshals and law enforcement actively enforce fireworks regulations, particularly around July 4th. Any law enforcement officer may issue criminal citations for violations. Reports of illegal fireworks should be made to local non-emergency numbers, not 911.

Enforcement Priorities:

Possession of illegal aerial or explosive fireworks
Unauthorized sales or distribution
Violations in total-ban jurisdictions
Public safety hazards

Counties maintain permitted fireworks display lists updated monthly by the State Fire Marshal’s office. Licensed professionals must obtain permits, provide insurance coverage, and comply with strict safety protocols for public displays.

Permits for Professional Displays

The State Fire Marshal issues permits for public fireworks displays. Applicants must:

Demonstrate competence through certification or experience
Provide detailed display plans including date, time, location, and site safety measures
Secure insurance coverage (minimum $25,000 per person, $50,000 for multiple persons, $10,000 property damage)
Pay permit fees (typically $750)
Submit applications in advance (late applications incur $50 additional fees)

Permits are non-transferable and don’t override local ordinances. Display operators must coordinate with local fire marshals and obtain any additional local approvals.

Safety Data and Injury Statistics

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2023 Fireworks Annual Report, fireworks caused an estimated 9,700 injuries and eight deaths nationwide in 2023, with approximately 6,400 injuries (66%) occurring around July 4th.

In 2022, about 10,200 people were injured and 11 died in fireworks accidents, with nearly three-fourths (73%) of injuries occurring in the weeks before and after July 4th. About 38% of injured people sustained burns, most commonly (29%) to hands and fingers, followed by head, face and ears (19%), eyes (16%), and trunk or other body parts (12%).

Maryland’s restrictive approach reflects these safety concerns. Sparkler temperatures can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

What You Need to Know for 2025

Key Takeaways:

Most fireworks remain illegal statewide in Maryland
Only gold-label sparklers, ground-based sparkling devices, and paper snappers are permitted under state law
Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County ban ALL fireworks including legal sparklers
Violations result in criminal misdemeanor charges, not civil infractions
Purchasing fireworks in other states and bringing them to Maryland is illegal
You must be 16 years old to purchase legal sparklers
Professional displays require State Fire Marshal permits and insurance

Before Using Fireworks:

Verify your county or municipality allows the specific type
Purchase only from licensed retailers
Check packaging for “gold label” designation on sparklers
Keep water nearby for disposal
Never allow children to handle sparklers
Avoid loose clothing when handling sparklers
Report illegal fireworks to local non-emergency numbers

Legal Expert Perspectives

Maryland maintains one of the nation’s strictest fireworks regulatory frameworks. Legal experts note the state’s approach prioritizes public safety over consumer access, contrasting with neighboring states’ more permissive policies.

The failed 2025 HB1002 legislation demonstrates continuing debate between expanding consumer access and maintaining safety restrictions. The State Fire Marshal’s opposition proved decisive, reflecting professional fire safety concerns about increased injury risks.

Local jurisdictions exercise significant authority, creating a patchwork of regulations requiring residents to understand both state and local rules. Criminal misdemeanor classifications for violations mean consequences extend beyond fines to permanent records affecting employment and other opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy fireworks in Pennsylvania and use them in Maryland?

No. Purchasing fireworks in other states and transporting them to Maryland for use remains illegal regardless of where they were purchased.

Are sparklers legal everywhere in Maryland?

No. While gold-label sparklers are legal under state law, Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County ban all consumer fireworks including sparklers.

What happens if I get caught with illegal fireworks?

You’ll face criminal misdemeanor charges, not civil fines. Penalties include fines up to $250 for possession, potential jail time in some jurisdictions, and confiscation. Convictions create permanent criminal records.

Can I get a permit for a private backyard fireworks display?

Generally no. Permits are issued for public displays by licensed professionals with proper insurance and safety protocols. Private events can attend permitted public displays instead.

How do I report illegal fireworks?

Contact your local non-emergency number—not 911 unless there’s immediate danger. Montgomery County residents should call 301-279-8000.

What’s the difference between gold-label and other sparklers?

Gold-label sparklers don’t contain chlorates or perchlorates, making them the only legal sparkler type in Maryland. Other sparklers containing these chemicals are prohibited.

Are there exceptions for cultural or religious events?

Possibly. Organizers may petition for exemptions with detailed safety plans demonstrating fire prevention and crowd control measures, though this remains subject to State Fire Marshal approval.

Resources

Maryland’s fireworks laws prioritize public safety through strict limitations. Understanding both state statutes and local ordinances ensures compliance and helps residents enjoy celebrations safely and legally.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah

Are Fireworks Legal in Maryland? Complete Guide to State Laws