ARE FIREWORKS LEGAL IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?
Fireworks are legal in New Hampshire.
Consumer fireworks are legal in New Hampshire. Most consumer-grade fireworks (1.4G) are permitted for purchase and use by adults 21+.
📅 WHEN CAN YOU USE FIREWORKS?
No statewide seasonal restriction — permissible fireworks may be used year-round
No statewide time-of-day restriction; many municipalities set hours (commonly no use 11 PM – 10 AM)
New Hampshire allows year-round possession and use of 'permissible fireworks' (consumer fireworks) by persons 21+ on private property, unless the local municipality has voted to prohibit it under RSA 160-C:6. This is a strong local-option state — some municipalities allow use freely, some require permits, some restrict hours, and some ban consumer fireworks entirely. The NH Division of Fire Safety maintains an updated community restrictions list. Municipalities can prohibit sale, possession, and/or display independently.
🎆 WHAT'S LEGAL IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?
Bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, 500g cakes
Bottle rockets legalized in 2018; all consumer fireworks (1.4G) classified as 'permissible fireworks' under RSA 160-C:2. Reloadable mortars remain under legislative debate.
Fountains, cones, wheels, ground spinners
Sparklers, smoke bombs, snaps, poppers, snakes
Class C sparklers and wire/stick sparklers containing chlorates or perchlorates are specifically PROHIBITED under RSA 160-B:16; other novelties legal
Firecrackers, strings
Firecrackers legalized in 2017; must meet CPSC 1.4G standards
Spinning aerial devices
Legal if classified as 1.4G consumer fireworks
Any DIY, altered, or reloaded fireworks
Always illegal — subject to misdemeanor charges and civil liability for any resulting damages (RSA 160-B:15)
📋 KEY RULES
21 (RSA 160-C:11); exception for active-duty military/National Guard
21 (RSA 160-C:11)
Private property with written consent of owner or in owner's presence (RSA 160-C:11)
Any municipality that has voted to prohibit display/possession; public property without permit
Cannot sell to a person who appears intoxicated; some local ordinances also ban use while intoxicated
Municipalities individually decide whether to allow, restrict, or prohibit — check NH Fire Marshal community restrictions list
⚖️ PENALTIES
Illegal possession/use of permissible fireworks (natural person)
Violation — fine up to $1,000 (RSA 160-C:11)
Illegal possession/use (business entity)
Class B misdemeanor — fine up to $1,200 (RSA 160-C:11)
Sale of prohibited sparklers (chlorate/perchlorate)
Misdemeanor (RSA 160-B:16)
False information on fireworks sale application
Class A misdemeanor (RSA 160-B:6(X))
Civil liability
Liable for all damages resulting from illegal sale or use; no assumption of risk or contributory negligence defense (RSA 160-B:15)