ARE FIREWORKS LEGAL IN MASSACHUSETTS?
Fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts.
All consumer fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts. It is illegal to possess, sell, or use any fireworks. Only licensed professionals may use display fireworks.
📅 WHEN CAN YOU USE FIREWORKS?
No consumer use permitted at any time
N/A — all consumer fireworks are banned year-round
Massachusetts is the only state with a total ban on all consumer fireworks, including sparklers. There are no legal use windows. Only licensed professionals with permits may conduct fireworks displays under MGL c. 148, § 39A. Municipalities cannot override the state ban to allow consumer use.
🎆 WHAT'S LEGAL IN MASSACHUSETTS?
Bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, 500g cakes
All consumer fireworks banned under MGL c. 148, § 39
Fountains, cones, wheels, ground spinners
All consumer fireworks banned under MGL c. 148, § 39
Sparklers, smoke bombs, snaps, poppers, snakes
Sparklers explicitly banned; only toy pistol caps under 0.25 grains are exempt
Firecrackers, strings
Specifically named as prohibited in MGL c. 148, § 39
Spinning aerial devices
All fireworks banned for consumer use
Any DIY, altered, or reloaded fireworks
Always illegal — falls under the total ban plus additional explosive device charges
📋 KEY RULES
N/A — no consumer sales permitted
N/A — no consumer use permitted
Nowhere — only licensed professionals with permits under MGL c. 148, § 39A
Everywhere — total consumer ban statewide
Toy pistol caps under 0.25 grains of explosive compound are exempt from the definition of fireworks
⚖️ PENALTIES
Sale, keeping for sale, or offering for sale of fireworks
Fine of $100–$1,000 and/or up to 1 year imprisonment (MGL c. 148, § 39)
Possession or use of fireworks
Fine of $10–$100 (MGL c. 148, § 39)
Fireworks seized upon conviction
Forfeiture to the Commonwealth (MGL c. 148, § 39)
Transporting fireworks into MA (even if legally purchased elsewhere)
Subject to same possession/use penalties — $10–$100 fine