Fireworks and Independence Day have been a traditional combination for decades. Unfortunately, they involve a dozen reported fireworks injuries, especially involving children, each year in Minnesota.
Due to the dangers associated with fireworks and similar explosives, not all of them are considered legal. The following post is an overview of what’s legal and what’s not.
What Fireworks are Legal in MN?
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, “the sale, possession, and use of certain non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks are permitted in Minnesota.”
The following are the examples of legal fireworks:
- Sparklers
- Snakes
- Sparking cones and tubes
- Smoke devices
- Trick noisemakers
- Ground spinners
- Drop pops
- Illuminating torches
- Party poppers
- Strobes and flashes
- Snappers with no more than 0.25 grains of explosive mixture each
State law says that fireworks may only be used on private property. It is against the law to use fireworks on public property such as streets, alleys, parks, schools, and government facilities.
What Fireworks are Illegal?
On the other hand, anything which explodes and flies is illegal in Minnesota. Aerial and explosive fireworks are not allowed for public sale, possession, and use.
Examples of illegal fireworks include:
- Bottle rockets
- Sky rockets
- Missile-type rockets
- Aerial spinners
- Helicopters
- Planes
- UFOs
- Firecrackers
- Roman candles
- Mines, mortars, or shells
- Parachutes
- Chasers
- Aerial shells
- 1.3G display (special of class B) fireworks
- Theatrical pyrotechnics
What are the Penalties?
If the violation of selling, possessing, or using illegal fireworks involves explosive fires in an amount of 35 pounds gross container weight or more, it is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of one year and/or a fine of up to $3,000.
If the violation involves explosive fireworks in an amount of fewer than 35 pounds of the gross container or any amount of fireworks other than explosive fireworks, it results in a maximum prison sentence of 90 days and/or a fine of up to $700.
At Brockton D. Hunter, our Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer—along with local authorities—says your best bet is to enjoy a public fireworks display. Not only will you avoid committing a crime, but also suffering an injury.
Our experienced legal team would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!
For more information, contact us today.