ARE FIREWORKS LEGAL IN NORTH DAKOTA?
Fireworks are legal in North Dakota.
Consumer fireworks are legal in North Dakota. Most 1.4G consumer fireworks are permitted.
📅 WHEN CAN YOU USE FIREWORKS?
Jun 27 – Jul 5
No state time limit; cities may set hours (e.g., Wahpeton: 8 AM – 11 PM)
Dec 26 – Jan 1
No state time limit; cities may set hours (e.g., Valley City: Dec 31 – Jan 1 at 1 AM only)
Outside the two legal sale/use windows, consumer fireworks are prohibited under NDCC § 23-15-02. Cities may be MORE restrictive by local ordinance — many cities ban discharge entirely or limit it to specific dates within the state window (e.g., Valley City only allows Dec 31 – Jan 1 at 1 AM). Some cities ban bottle rockets and Roman candles even during legal periods. Morton County prohibits fireworks in county parks and ND Game & Fish Wildlife Management Areas.
🎆 WHAT'S LEGAL IN NORTH DAKOTA?
Star lights (10-ball, ≤20g), helicopter flyers (≤20g), missile-type rockets
Legal during sale windows but limited: bottle rockets (<5/8" OD and <3.5" length) are banned statewide (NDCC § 23-15-01(2)(a)). Roman candle detonation/explosion is prohibited.
Cylindrical fountains (≤75g), cone fountains (≤50g), wheels (≤60g/driver), illuminating torches
Must meet weight limits specified in NDCC § 23-15-01(2)
Sparklers (≤5g), smoke devices, snakes, caps (<0.25 grain)
Sparklers limited to ≤5g composition per § 23-15-01(2)
Firecrackers (≤50mg per report)
Must not exceed 50mg explosive composition per report; limited to sale/use windows
Spinning aerial devices
Not listed among permissible items in NDCC § 23-15-01(2); unlisted devices are prohibited under § 23-15-02
Any DIY, altered, or reloaded fireworks
Illegal — only items meeting NDCC § 23-15-01(2) specifications from licensed retailers are permitted
📋 KEY RULES
12 (NDCC § 23-15-01(2))
No separate state minimum; purchase age is 12
Private property during legal windows; check city ordinances
County/state parks, ND Game & Fish WMAs, and within most city limits (check local ordinances)
Must have retail license from county sheriff ($20) or distributor license from State Fire Marshal ($250)
Unreasonable disturbance with fireworks may be charged under NDCC § 12.1-31-01
⚖️ PENALTIES
Sale or use of fireworks outside legal periods
Class B misdemeanor — up to 30 days jail and/or $1,500 fine (NDCC § 23-15-06)
Sale without license
Class B misdemeanor; fireworks subject to seizure (NDCC § 23-15-05)
Causing disturbance with fireworks
Disorderly conduct — Class B misdemeanor under NDCC § 12.1-31-01
Importing without wholesale/retail license
Class B misdemeanor; fireworks confiscated