ARE FIREWORKS LEGAL IN NORTH CAROLINA?
Fireworks are restricted in North Carolina.
Consumer fireworks are restricted in North Carolina. Only non-exploding, ground-based fireworks are legal (fountains, sparklers, snakes).
📅 WHEN CAN YOU USE FIREWORKS?
Jan 1 – Dec 31
No state time limit for permitted novelties/sparklers
North Carolina bans most consumer fireworks under NCGS § 14-410. Only specific novelty items are legal year-round. The NC Consumer Fireworks Safety Act (S470/H98) has been introduced multiple sessions but has NOT been enacted as of early 2026. In 2025, the minimum purchase age was raised from 16 to 18. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions on even legal items. Professional displays require a permit from the county commissioners under § 14-413.
🎆 WHAT'S LEGAL IN NORTH CAROLINA?
Bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, aerial shells, 500g cakes
All pyrotechnics that fly or explode are prohibited under NCGS § 14-410
Fountains, cones, wheels, ground spinners
Only fountains and similar non-aerial, non-explosive items are legal under § 14-414 exemptions; items cannot leave the ground or explode
Sparklers, smoke bombs, snaps, poppers, snakes, glow worms
Exempt under NCGS § 14-414: caps (<0.25g), snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers, sparklers
Firecrackers, strings
Prohibited as pyrotechnics under § 14-410
Spinning aerial devices
Prohibited — any device that rises into the air is illegal
Any DIY, altered, or reloaded fireworks
Illegal — manufacturing pyrotechnics prohibited under § 14-410; Class 2 misdemeanor
📋 KEY RULES
18 (raised from 16 in 2025 per NCGS § 14-410(b))
18
Private property for legal novelty items only
Public property without permit; wherever local ordinances further restrict
Require written authority from county commissioners under § 14-413; licensed display operator required
⚖️ PENALTIES
Possession, sale, or use of prohibited pyrotechnics
Class 2 misdemeanor — up to 60 days jail and/or fine up to $500 (NCGS § 14-415)
Sale to persons under 18
Class 1 misdemeanor (enhanced from Class 2 as of 2025)
Causing injury or property damage
Enhanced charges possible; civil liability for damages
Unlicensed public display
Class 2 misdemeanor under § 14-410