ARE FIREWORKS LEGAL IN RHODE ISLAND?
Fireworks are restricted in Rhode Island.
Consumer fireworks are restricted in Rhode Island. Only sparklers, party poppers, and snakes are legal. Most fireworks are banned.
📅 WHEN CAN YOU USE FIREWORKS?
Jan 1 – Dec 31
No state time limit; local ordinances may restrict
Rhode Island bans all aerial consumer fireworks and display fireworks without a permit under RIGL § 11-13-1. Only ground-based sparkling devices and novelties are legal for consumer use year-round. Municipalities may impose additional restrictions, including banning sparklers. Professional display permits must be obtained from the State Fire Marshal at least 15 days in advance. Fireworks prohibited within 200 ft of churches, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
🎆 WHAT'S LEGAL IN RHODE ISLAND?
Bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, aerial shells, 500g cakes
Classified as 'aerial consumer fireworks' (APA 87-1 § 3.1.2, 1.4G) — felony to sell/possess/use without permit (RIGL § 11-13-1)
Fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, ground spinners
Exempt as 'ground-based and hand-held sparkling devices' per APA 87-1 §§ 3.1.1 and 3.5
Wire sparklers, dipped sticks, party poppers, snappers, snakes, glow worms, toy smoke devices
Exempt as 'novelties' per APA 87-1 § 3.2
Firecrackers, strings
Produce a report/bang — prohibited as aerial consumer fireworks under § 11-13-1
Spinning aerial devices
Rises into air — classified as aerial consumer fireworks; illegal without permit
Any DIY, altered, or reloaded fireworks
Illegal — felony charges; up to $1,000 fine and/or 1 year imprisonment per offense
📋 KEY RULES
18 for legal sparkling devices/novelties
18
Private property for legal ground-based/novelty items; where not locally prohibited
Within 200 ft of churches, hospitals, nursing homes, or schools; wherever locally prohibited
125 lbs per proper storage area (RI Fire Laws 28.23.11-9)
Fire marshals and officers may seize illegal fireworks and arrest without warrant
⚖️ PENALTIES
Sale, possession, or use of aerial/display fireworks (value ≥$500)
Felony — fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 1 year imprisonment per offense (RIGL § 11-13-1(b))
Possession/use of aerial fireworks (value <$500)
Misdemeanor — fine up to $500 and/or up to 1 year imprisonment per offense
Illegal display of fireworks (professional-grade, no permit)
Felony — fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 5 years imprisonment
Sale without proper license/permit
Felony — fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment per offense