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Information for Consumers of Fireworks Each state in the United States has slightly different requirements for fireworks: some permit all 1.4G consumer fireworks; others a subset of consumer fireworks; or no fireworks at all. The recent law change would allow some, but not all, consumer fireworks to be sold and used in Minnesota. To prevent confusion, the Table on Page 2 of this fact sheet outlines the types of fireworks that may now be sold, possessed and used by the public. This table also indicates fireworks that are still not legal to sell, possess and use, except with a permit and by a certified operator. Here is a summary of the basic rules for fireworks in Minnesota: • Only nonexplosive and nonaerial consumer fireworks are permitted to be sold, possessed and used. Examples include fireworks listed in the left hand column in the Table on Page 2 of this fact sheet. • Fireworks that explode, leave the ground, or shoot anything other than sparks into the air are still prohibited. • Use of these devices is not permitted on public property (i.e. parks, roads, alleys, schools, government property etc.). • Purchasers of fireworks must be at least 18 years old and age must be verified by photo identification at the time of purchase. The only age restriction is on the purchase of fireworks -there is no age restriction on possession or use. • There are no restrictions on the time of year for the sale, possession or use of these fireworks, nor are there restrictions on where the fireworks are purchased (in state or out of state). • A permit or certification from the State Fire Marshal Division is not necessary for the sale, possession or use of these fireworks. • There has been no change in the laws relating to theatrical pyrotechnics and the requirements for a permit and certified operator according to Minnesota Statute 624.20 to 624.25 • Operating outside the exception provided by Minn. Stat 624.20 (c) for sale, possession and use of fireworks is addressed in the criminal statutes of Minn. Stat. 624.20 to 624.25. According to Minn. Stat. 624.25, violations are addressed as follows: 7. if fhe violation involves explosive fireworks in an amount of 35 pounds gross container weight or more, to imprisonment for not more than one year, or to payment of a fine of not more fhan.$3,000, or both; 2. if fhe violation involves explosive fireworks in an amount of less than 35 pounds gross container weight, to imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or to payment of a fine of not more than $700, or both; and 3. if the violation involves any amount of fireworks other than explosive fireworks, to imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or to payment of a fine of not more than $700, or both. State Fire Marshal Fireworks Fact Sheet April 30, 2002 Page 3 of 6 www.fire.state.mn.us Questions: firecode@state.mn.us ~s