ARE FIREWORKS LEGAL IN TENNESSEE?
Fireworks are legal in Tennessee.
Consumer fireworks are legal in Tennessee. Most consumer fireworks (1.4G) are permitted for purchase and use.
📅 WHEN CAN YOU USE FIREWORKS?
Jun 20 – Jul 5 (seasonal retail period)
No state-mandated time restriction on consumer use; local jurisdictions typically allow 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM with extended hours to midnight on Jul 4
Dec 10 – Jan 2 (seasonal retail period)
No state-mandated time restriction; locals typically extend hours to midnight or 1:00 AM on Dec 31/Jan 1
Tennessee does not impose a state-level ban on consumer firework use outside seasonal retail periods — the seasonal dates (Jun 20–Jul 5, Dec 10–Jan 2) apply to seasonal retailer permits per TCA 68-104-101. Year-round retailers with full retail permits may sell at any time. Municipalities may adopt additional restrictions or bans. Retail sale is restricted in counties exceeding 355,000 population (per 2010 census) with some grandfathered exceptions.
🎆 WHAT'S LEGAL IN TENNESSEE?
Roman candles, mortars, 500g cakes, aerial shells
Fountains, cones, wheels, ground spinners
Sparklers, smoke bombs, snaps, poppers, snakes
Firecrackers, strings
Must comply with DOT Class C / 1.4G limits
Spinning aerial devices
Legal if DOT Class C / CPSC-compliant
Any DIY, altered, or reloaded fireworks
Illegal ground salutes and items exceeding Class C limits are expressly prohibited — second offense is Class E felony per TCA 68-104-112(b)
📋 KEY RULES
16 (16-17 year olds need photo ID or adult accompaniment) per TCA 68-104-112(a)(1)
No state minimum specified for use
Private property; must be 600+ feet from churches, hospitals, asylums, public schools
Within 600 ft of churches, hospitals, asylums, schools; within 200 ft of fireworks storage/sales; from or into motor vehicles (TCA 68-104-112(a)(2-3))
Prohibited — unlawful to sell to intoxicated or irresponsible persons (TCA 68-104-112(a)(1))
Retail sale banned in counties with population >355,000 with limited exceptions (TCA 68-104-112(a)(4))
⚖️ PENALTIES
General violation of fireworks chapter
Class A misdemeanor: up to 11 months 29 days jail and/or $2,500 fine (TCA 68-104-114(a))
Selling to underage buyer (retailer)
Class C misdemeanor: $100 first offense, $250 second offense, $500 subsequent offenses (TCA 68-104-114(b))
Illegal ground salutes — first offense
Class A misdemeanor: up to 11 months 29 days jail and/or $2,500 fine (TCA 68-104-112(b))
Illegal ground salutes — second/subsequent offense
Class E felony: 1-6 years imprisonment and up to $3,000 fine (TCA 68-104-112(b)(2))
Selling without a permit
Class A misdemeanor: up to 11 months 29 days jail and/or $2,500 fine (TCA 68-104-102)