Not all fireworks are legal in AZ. Here's what you need to know
The loud popping sounds Arizonans will hear on New Year's Eve will hopefully be limited to just fireworks.
While Arizonans can legally shoot off certain fireworks to celebrate the new year, they cannot randomly shoot off firearms.
New Year's Eve is often synonymous with fireworks. However, the purchase and use of fireworks is generally illegal in Phoenix, but there are certain dates where the general public can legally attain lawful celebratory items.
Arizona Revised Statutes section 36-1606, a state law that manages the consumption and commerce of fireworks, allows fireworks to be sold each year from April 25 through May 6; May 20 through July 6; and Dec. 10 through Jan 3.
They are allowed to be set off from May 4 through May 6; June 24 through July 6; and Dec. 24 through Jan. 3.
In a tweet shared Friday, Phoenix police wrote: "Any fireworks that shoot in to the air are ILLEGAL. Play it safe and stick with sparklers, smoker devices, and ground spinners."
Enjoy New Year’s Eve safely and legally! We really aren’t trying to spoil your #NYE2022 celebrations, but some might need a reminder.
Any fireworks that shoot in to the air are ILLEGAL. Play it safe and stick with sparklers, smoker devices, and ground spinners. pic.twitter.com/YgqtoIpWo1— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) December 30, 2021
Phoenix police shared an image of banned fireworks, which include bottle rockets, roman candles, arials and contraptions that shoot a prepackaged firework.
Violating fireworks laws can be expensive, with fines of over $1,000 in some municipalities.
Also prohibited is discharging a firearm into the air, a violation of Revised Statute 13-3107, commonly known as "Shannon's Law."
According to Phoenix police, shooting a firearm into the air to commemorate an event is a Class 6 felony. Violating this law could lead to a penalty of up to two years in prison.
CELEBRATORY GUNFIRE IS ILLEGAL
22 years ago, Shannon Smith was killed by a stray bullet in PHX. To this day, investigators haven't been able to identify the shooter. If you have any information related to Shannon’s case, please contact @SilentwitnessAZ. #ShannonsLaw pic.twitter.com/xkepMMW95O— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) December 31, 2021
The law is named after Shannon Smith, a Phoenix teenager who was killed 22 years ago from stray gunfire that originated over a mile away.
In a video about Shannon's Law on the city of Tolleson's website, a police officer says: "Remember, what goes up must come down."
While fireworks can be a traditional way to enjoy New Year's Eve, they can also be a source of trauma for animals.
Keeping your pets indoors and away from fireworks displays are some of several tips to keep pets safe and calm during holidays marked by fireworks.
Tara Kavaler is a politics reporter at The Arizona Republic. She can be reached by email at tara.kavaler@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter: @kavalertara.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fireworks in AZ for NYE: What you need to know
