Are sparklers legal this Fourth of July? Some types of fireworks carry hefty fines in IL

Matt DiSanto
·4 min read

The purchase and use of fireworks are legal in some form in nearly every U.S. state, but regulations vary in strength across the country.

In Illinois, most non-novelty fireworks have been illegal for nearly a century. Those caught violating state and local ordinances could be met with hefty fines and even jail time.

If you’re hoping to ring in Independence Day in the Land of Lincoln, here’s what you need to know about its fireworks laws.

What’s covered under state law?

Most of Illinois’ regulations against commercial fireworks use come from the Illinois Pyrotechnic Use Act. Since 1942, the statute has criminalized the use and purchase of most fireworks, though some novelty items are excluded.

According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office, the following types of fireworks are prohibited in the state:

  • Handheld fireworks

  • Bottle rockets

  • Skyrockets

  • Roman candles

  • Chasers

  • Buzz bombs

  • Ground items other than those identified as “Approved Consumer Fireworks”

  • Helicopters

  • Missiles

  • Pinwheels or any other twirling device, whether on the ground or mounted above the ground

  • Planes

  • Sky lanterns, the type of balloon that requires fire underneath to propel

  • Firecrackers (all types)

Notably, sparklers are one of several product types that are excluded from Illinois’ state-level pyrotechnic laws, though they are illegal in several cities, including Chicago. Other unregulated novelty items include noisemakers, toy pistols and smoke devices.

Violations of the Pyrotechnic Use Act can result in a Class A misdemeanor charge, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 or one year in prison.

Fireworks displays are permitted throughout Illinois if they are conducted by licensed pyrotechnic professionals with proper permits, the state says.

How are fireworks laws enforced locally?

Municipalities can enforce stricter guidelines than state or federal regulations, and the metro-east region is no exception as Independence Day approaches.

Belleville, for example, enforces a city ordinance that prohibits the purchase, sale and use of fireworks within the corporate city limits. Violations of the ordinance can fetch up to a $250 fine, the Belleville Police Department warned in a Facebook post June 21.

“While fireworks may seem like a minor issue to most, they can be responsible for property damage, fires, serious injuries, lost pets and are a major nuisance to your neighbors, all of which can be avoided by not setting them off in city limits,” the department wrote in a statement. “Since not all of our residents are able to enjoy fireworks the same way, we ask for your consideration and adherence to the state and local ordinances.”

Other cities in the area charge even more for violations of fireworks ordinances. O’Fallon, for example, says it can issue citations for up to $750 for violations of its city ordinance prohibiting fireworks use. Its police department received 76 calls over last summer’s holiday weekend and issued 21 citations for ordinance violations.

To find additional fireworks ordinances in effect in your neck of the woods, consider reaching out to your local police department for details. Regardless, already-restrictive state statutes will always take precedence.

Reporting fireworks violations

You can direct complaints regarding improper fireworks use to the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshall by filling out an online form on the agency’s website. The form can also be submitted by email at SFM.PyroFireworks@illinois.gov or through the post, addressed to: Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, Attn: Pyrotechnic Licensing, 1035 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL 62703.

You might also consider reporting potential fireworks violations to local police by calling a non-emergency line, the office recommends.

Watching fireworks legally

Watching a fireworks display organized by licensed pyrotechnics professionals is far safer and likely more enjoyable than lighting your own this Fourth of July. Here’s a glimpse of a few events slated for the metro-east:

  • July 3: Fireworks Over O’Fallon will begin at 8:30 p.m. near the west entrance of the O’Fallon Family Sports Park, 301 Obernuefemann Road. Visit ofallon.org for more information.

  • July 3: The 2023 Alton Fireworks Spectacular begins at 5 p.m. at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, located at 1 Riverfront Drive. Visit riversandroutes.com/events/alton-fireworks-spectacular-2023 for more information.

  • July 4: Mascoutah’s annual Fourth of July celebration at Scheve Park kicks off at 2 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Visit the event’s Facebook page for more information.

  • July 4: Highland will host its annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at dusk at Korte Rec Center, located at 1 Nagel Drive. Visit the event’s Facebook page for more information.

  • July 4: Webster Groves’ Community Days celebration will wrap up with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Memorial Field, located at 33 E. Glendale Road. Visit rove.me/to/st-louis/webster-groves-fireworks-4th-of-july for more information.