ARE FIREWORKS LEGAL IN NEBRASKA?
Fireworks are restricted in Nebraska.
Consumer fireworks are restricted in Nebraska. Only certain fireworks are allowed; aerial fireworks with more than 500 grams are banned.
📅 WHEN CAN YOU USE FIREWORKS?
Jun 24 – Jul 5 (retail sale period under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1249)
No statewide time limit; local jurisdictions set hours (e.g., Omaha: noon–11 PM Jul 2–4)
Dec 28 – Jan 1 (retail sale period under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1249)
No statewide time limit; local jurisdictions set hours
Nebraska restricts retail sale to the two seasonal windows. State law does not explicitly prohibit consumer use outside the sale windows but sales are forbidden. Local jurisdictions (cities and villages) have authority to be more restrictive on both sale dates and use dates/times. Many cities (e.g., Omaha, Lincoln, Papillion) impose tighter sale windows, specific discharge hours, and additional restrictions. Retail sales may only occur within incorporated city or village limits (§ 28-1249).
🎆 WHAT'S LEGAL IN NEBRASKA?
Bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, 500g cakes
All 1.4G consumer fireworks legal since LB 152 update; rockets on a stick allowed; nighttime parachutes allowed
Fountains, cones, wheels, ground spinners
Sparklers, smoke bombs, snaps, poppers, snakes
Wire sparklers are specifically prohibited in Nebraska; other novelties like smoke devices and snaps are legal
Firecrackers, strings
1.4G firecrackers legal; must have ≤50mg explosive composition (no M-80s or cherry bombs)
Spinning aerial devices
Legal if labeled as 1.4G product
Any DIY, altered, or reloaded fireworks
Always illegal — Class III misdemeanor plus possible license revocation (§ 28-1250)
📋 KEY RULES
16 to possess, use, or discharge consumer fireworks (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1250)
12–15 may use with immediate supervision of adult 19+ (§ 28-1250)
Private property; specific hours vary by municipality
Outside city/village limits for retail sales; check local ordinances for use restrictions
Prohibited — flying lantern-type devices banned from sale, possession, and use (§ 28-1255)
Cannot use while under influence of alcohol, narcotics, or drugs
⚖️ PENALTIES
Violation of §§ 28-1244 to 28-1249 (general fireworks violations)
Class III misdemeanor — up to 3 months imprisonment and/or $500 fine (§ 28-1250(1))
Licensed distributor/jobber violation
License revocation for 1–3 years (§ 28-1250(1))
Unlawful throwing of fireworks
Penalties under § 28-1242
Illegal possession of fireworks
Seizure warrant issued; fireworks confiscated and destroyed upon conviction (§ 28-1250(2))