Are Fireworks Legal in Connecticut?
Almost nothing is. Connecticut has some of the strictest fireworks laws in the country. The only devices legal for personal use are sparklers and ground-based fountains — and even those come with tight restrictions. Everything else, from firecrackers and Roman candles to smoke bombs, party poppers, snakes, and snappers, is flat-out illegal for consumers. If you grew up thinking those little snap-pops were harmless, Connecticut law disagrees.
What You Can Use
Under Connecticut General Statutes Section 29-357, the only items legal for personal use are:
- Sparklers: Non-explosive, non-aerial devices containing no more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item
- Fountains: Ground-based, non-explosive devices with no more than 100 grams of composition per fountain (200 grams total if multiple fountains share a common base)
That is the complete list. Sparklers and fountains were legalized in 2000 under Public Act 00-198, and that is as far as Connecticut has gone for consumer access.
What Is Banned
Everything that is not a sparkler or qualifying fountain. The ban covers firecrackers, skyrockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial devices of any kind, smoke bombs, party poppers, snakes, glow worms, snappers, and any device containing an explosive or flammable compound. Sky lanterns are also prohibited. Ordering fireworks by mail is illegal. Bringing fireworks in from another state — even from New Hampshire or Pennsylvania, popular shopping destinations — remains a violation of Connecticut law.
Upcoming Changes
During the 2025 legislative session, the General Assembly passed HB 7504, which will expand the list of legal fireworks to include non-explosive, non-aerial consumer fireworks and sky lanterns. The bill also raises the purchase and use age from 16 to 18. These changes take effect October 1, 2025, so check back for updated rules.
Age Restrictions
Currently, you must be at least 16 years old to buy, sell, or use sparklers and fountains. Under the new law taking effect in late 2025, the minimum age rises to 18.
Penalties
Connecticut treats fireworks violations seriously. The base penalty for possession or use of illegal fireworks is a fine up to $100 and up to 90 days in jail. If the retail value of fireworks involved exceeds $10,000, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor. The consequences escalate dramatically if someone is hurt: causing injury or death through fireworks violations can result in fines up to $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison. Transportation violations carry their own penalties, starting at $1,000 for a first offense and climbing to $2,000 plus six months in jail for subsequent violations.
No Local Variations to Help You
Unlike many states where rural counties might be more lenient, Connecticut's fireworks ban is statewide and uniform. There are no cities or towns that allow broader consumer fireworks use. The only way to see real fireworks in Connecticut is at a licensed, professionally operated public display that has been approved by state and local officials.
Where to Buy
Sparklers and fountains are available at some retail stores, seasonal stands, and grocery stores during the summer months. For anything beyond that, Connecticut residents often drive to New Hampshire or Pennsylvania, but be aware that transporting those purchases back into Connecticut is illegal and can result in confiscation and fines.
Local tip: Connecticut runs dozens of professional fireworks shows on and around July 4th. Most towns put on solid displays at beaches, parks, and fairgrounds. Skip the legal risk and find a community show — your town likely has one within a short drive, and the displays are usually better than anything you could legally buy here anyway.