Fireworks are often a fun party of many holidays especially Independence Day and New Year’s however there are many legal issues when it comes to putting on a firework show yourself. North Carolina law prohibits the sale and use of fireworks that explode or launch into the air including: Roman Candles; Firecrackers; Aerial Fireworks; Bottle Rockets; and any other form of fireworks that explode or launch into the air. While South Carolina has very few limits on the sale or use of fireworks, North Carolina residents must keep in mind that it is illegal under North Carolina law to purchase fireworks in South Carolina or any state and bring them into North Carolina.
Legal Fireworks Safety: Guidelines and Restrictions in North Carolina
Even though many forms of fireworks are illegal in North Carolina, there are still many fun types that are legal including: Fountains; Smoke Devices; Snappers; Glowworms; Sparklers; Poppers; Snakes; and other items that do not explode or launch into the air. However, even with these legal fireworks, it is still illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase them which could be punishable by a fine and even jail time if someone is injured as a result. Below are a few tips from the National Safety Council to keep in mind while celebrating with fireworks to keep you safe and incompliance with the law.
- Never allow children to handle fireworks
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Wear protective eyewear while using or standing near fireworks
- Never hold a lit firework in your hand
- Never light a firework indoors
- Use them only in open outdoor spaces free of any structures or trees
- Never point fireworks at someone
- Only light one firework at a time and move to a safe distance after lighting them
- Do-not try to re-light malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak spent and unused fireworks in water for several hours before discarding
- Keep running water or a bucket of water nearby to extinguish fireworks that do not fully go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
Contact King Law for Legal Assistance
If you are facing charges stemming from the use of legal or illegal fireworks or have been injured by someone’s use of fireworks King Law may be able to assist you. Call 888-748-KING(5464) to schedule a consultation.