House Bill 542 was signed into law on October 30, 2017. Under the new law, the Fireworks Act of 1939 was repealed and replaced in its entirety. However, the questions and answers below highlight the most noteworthy changes.
Q: Which fireworks are Pennsylvania residents allowed to purchase and use?
Consumers can now purchase and use “Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks that include firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. The expansion includes those fireworks that were previously only available to out-of-state residents.
“Display fireworks,” which are classified as including salutes that contain more than two grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials, and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, are still only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place.
Q: Who can purchase fireworks?
Anyone 18 years of age or older can purchase them.
Q: What are the restrictions on where they can be used?
• They cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.
• They cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.
• They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.
• They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure, whether or not a person is actually present.
• They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.
• The use of fireworks between the hours of midnight and 8 AM are not permitted.
Q: What restrictions on fireworks usage apply in Sadsbury Township?
Sadsbury Township has adopted the provisions of House Bill 542 and enforces the law accordingly. There are no noise ordinance restrictions on the use of fireworks, however, it is expected that persons using fireworks within the township will exercise good judgment and show respect for their neighbors.
