Planning on lighting some fireworks at home in RI? Here's what firework laws to know

Veer Mudambi, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England
·2 min read

For many, fireworks are the literal highlight of July 4 celebrations. Ending a day of cook outs, music and summer fun celebrating the birth of our nation with a literal bang.

We all know the hassle of getting to the site early to grab the best seats, wrangling a number of friends and family into the car, and waiting in the summer heat for several hours. Knowing all this, you may wonder, why not just have your own fireworks show in your backyard?

If you’re asking that question, it means it’s time for another July 4 tradition, folks - a refresher course of the do's and don'ts of personal fireworks in Rhode Island.

What fireworks are legal in Rhode Island?

Elizabeth Gustashaw (6) enjoys a sparkler prior to the start of the big fireworks display in 2016.
Elizabeth Gustashaw (6) enjoys a sparkler prior to the start of the big fireworks display in 2016.

According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, only ground based devices and sparklers are legal for use by the general public - in this case that means 16 or older. These include:

  • Ground-based & hand-held sparkling devices

  • Fountains

  • Illuminating torches, wheels, spinners, flitter sparklers

  • Sparklers, party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes, glow worms, wire sparklers & dipped sticks

However, anything with an aerial component is not allowed. Rhode Island General Law states that no one can sell, use or possess display fireworks or aerial consumer fireworks.

Fireworks RI 2024: Check our listing of July 4th fireworks and parades by date

If the firework rises into the air, fires inserts or projectiles into the air, or explodes or makes a loud noise, it's not ground-based and therefore illegal. This includes sky lanterns. The Fire Marshal's website explains that an audible crackling noise is not considered to be such a noise, or report.

How old do you have to be to buy fireworks in Rhode Island?

State law says you have to be 16 to buy fireworks in Rhode Island.

What are the potential punishments for setting off fireworks in Rhode Island?

Sale, use or possession of fireworks falls under Criminal Offenses, Title 11, Chapter 13 of state law and violation is considered a felony.

You can be fined up to $1,000 and imprisoned for up to a year for each offense. If you want to file a complaint or report the use of illegal fireworks, contact your local police department. Do not call 911 to report fireworks or loud noises.

Where can you buy fireworks in Rhode Island?

With these rules and regulations in mind, Rhode Island has many places that sell legal fireworks. The country's biggest fireworks retailer, Phantom Fireworks, has locations in Cumberland, Johnston, North Providence, North Smithfield, Warwick and West Warwick. Other large stores include Firework Connection in Tiverton, TCS Fireworks in Woonsocket, and Fireworks RI in Coventry, East Providence, Warren, Warwick and Woonsocket.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Fireworks 2024 in RI: What's legal and where can you buy them?