ARE FIREWORKS LEGAL IN OHIO?
Fireworks are legal in Ohio.
Consumer fireworks are legal in Ohio. Most consumer fireworks (1.4G) are legal for purchase and use on your own property and certain holidays.
📅 WHEN CAN YOU USE FIREWORKS?
Jul 3, 4, 5 plus the Fri–Sun immediately before and after Jul 4
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Last Monday in May plus Sat–Sun immediately preceding
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
First Monday in September plus Sat–Sun immediately preceding
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Jun 19 and the Fri–Sat immediately preceding or following
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
May 5
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Chinese New Year date
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Diwali date
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Dec 31
4:00 PM – 11:59 PM
Jan 1
12:00 AM – 1:00 AM (continuation from NYE)
Discharge is prohibited outside these specific windows under ORC § 3743.45. Local jurisdictions (counties, townships, municipalities) may further RESTRICT dates/times or completely BAN consumer fireworks discharge under § 3743.45(D). Many Ohio cities have enacted local bans. Only fireworks purchased in Ohio from a licensed Ohio retailer may be discharged in Ohio.
🎆 WHAT'S LEGAL IN OHIO?
Bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, aerial shells, 500g cakes
Must discharge ≥150 ft from buildings/structures and spectators; 1.4G only
Fountains, cones, wheels, ground spinners
Must discharge ≥50 ft from buildings/structures and spectators
Sparklers, smoke bombs, snaps, poppers, snakes
Novelty items may be sold by licensed fountain device retailers year-round
Firecrackers, strings
1.4G consumer grade; ≥50 ft from structures/spectators
Spinning aerial devices
Legal if classified as 1.4G consumer fireworks; 150 ft distance for aerial
Any DIY, altered, or reloaded fireworks
Illegal — only commercially manufactured 1.4G from licensed Ohio retailers; violation is 1st-degree misdemeanor or felony
📋 KEY RULES
18 (ORC § 3743.65(D))
18; minors must stay ≥150 ft from aerial discharge points
Private property only, with property owner's express permission (ORC § 3743.45)
Public property, private school property, streets/highways/alleys; during drought/red flag warnings; indoors
Must buy from Ohio-licensed retailer; must receive safety glasses and pamphlet
No more than 125 lbs net pyrotechnic composition without additional safety measures
⚖️ PENALTIES
Illegal possession or discharge of fireworks
1st-degree misdemeanor — up to 180 days jail and/or $1,000 fine (ORC § 3743.99(C))
Discharge under influence of alcohol/drugs
1st-degree misdemeanor (ORC § 3743.65(G) / § 3743.99(F))
Discharge on another's property without permission
1st-degree misdemeanor (ORC § 3743.65(H) / § 3743.99(F))
Unlicensed sale of fireworks
3rd-degree felony — up to 36 months imprisonment and $10,000 fine (ORC § 3743.99(A))
Disabling fire suppression at licensed premises
5th-degree felony (ORC § 3743.99(E))