Dear Mt. Laurel residents,
I am writing to you for the purpose of educating the public on the hazards of fireworks and the prohibition of their use. Together, we can reduce the sale and use of illegal fireworks and create a safer environment for New Jersey’s citizens.
Fireworks are not just dangerous. In New Jersey, they are illegal. Each year, many people are treated in hospital emergency rooms resulting from the use of fireworks. Once again, we are entering the fireworks season, and I would like to acquaint you with New Jersey’s fireworks laws. New Jersey’s laws on fireworks, N.J.S.A. 21:2–1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 21:3–1 et seq., are very restrictive. In some states, fireworks are permitted to be sold to, and used by, the public. However, in New Jersey, only paper or plastic caps for use in toy guns are legal.
Sparkler and novelty items, such as cigarette loads, trick matches, trick noise makers, smoke grenades, toy propellants, snap and pops, champagne poppers, as well as firecrackers, roman candles, rockets, etc., are illegal in this state. Do not be fooled by a salesperson who tries to tell you that they are authorized to be sold by the consumer products safety commission, or sold by mail order houses, or are permitted to be sold in other states, or are permitted to be shipped by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
I repeat — the only fireworks that can be legally used in New Jersey are paper and plastic caps for toy cap guns. The fireworks laws are jointly enforced by the municipalities and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The law states that the sale, or possession of fireworks, with the intent to sell, is a crime of the fourth degree. Any person found guilty of possessing fireworks, including sparklers, with the intention of selling them, can be fined up to $7,500 and/or imprisoned up to 18 months. Any person found using fireworks could be fined up to $500 and/or imprisoned for up to 30 days.
If you have any questions or comments about the Fireworks Laws, feel free to contact my office at (856) 234–6053 ext. 5912, or you may contact the Office of Public Safety Compliance at (609) 292–2096.
Stay safe and have a wonderful Independence Day celebration!
Fire Marshal Ross A. Kownatsky, Sr.
