By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
Last year in 2022 the Ohio State government made changes to the state fireworks law. This law came into effect on July 1st, 2022.
After that point in time Ohioans were legally allowed to discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks in Ohio on certain days unless the relevant political subdivision has chosen to ban their use. A ban still exists on 1.3G display fireworks.
The dates when fireworks can be set off legally is July 3rd, 4th, and 5th and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday immediately before and after July 4th between the times of 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Additional dates include Labor Day weekend (the 1st Monday of September and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that Monday), Diwali (November 12th), New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year (February 10th), Cinco de Mayo (May 5th), Memorial Day weekend (the last Monday in May and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that Monday), and Juneteenth (June 19th).
Additional restrictions still exist when it comes to the fireworks including a ban for anyone under the age of 18 to be able to handle or discharge fireworks.
Additionally, no one is allowed to be within 150 feet of the discharge point of aerial fireworks. Non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators.
Also, no person is allowed to store in excess of 125 pounds of fireworks unless they have additional safety measures and safeguards in place for such storage.
The State of Ohio has also put out guidance regarding local areas, with that guidance stating, “Local political subdivisions may ban fireworks or restrict the dates and times that fireworks can be used.”
“Even though state law allows consumers to discharge 1.4G fireworks on the above dates and times, political subdivisions (villages, cities, townships or counties) can ban the use of fireworks within their boundaries.”
“They can also restrict the dates and/or times that fireworks can be used by consumers within their boundaries.”
“If a political subdivision takes such action, the local law controls in that area. So, consumers should check their local laws to make sure consumer discharge of fireworks is legal in their area.”
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com