What you need to know about fireworks laws in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Fourth of July is this Thursday, but do you know Michigan’s fireworks laws? Here’s what you need to know to stay out of trouble this weekend.

Across the state, the Michigan Fireworks Safety Law allows Michiganders to set off fireworks from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. from June 29 to July 4, and from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on July 5 (if that day falls on a Friday or Saturday)

Local authorities are not allowed to issue ordinances that conflict with state laws, but they can regulate the use of fireworks outside of these hours.

Fireworks for private use are defined in the act as “fireworks designed to produce visible effects through combustion”. This includes fireworks such as rocket launchers, firework rockets, bottle rockets and tube fireworks.

The Fireworks Safety Act does not apply to new or low-power fireworks containing less than 500g of explosive. This includes devices such as hand-held or ground-based sparklers, spark wheel devices, snakes and snappers.

It is illegal for discharging fireworks on public property, school grounds, church grounds, or another person’s property without express permission. It is also illegal to discharge fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Fireworks may not be sold to minors.

Violating the Fireworks Safety Act can result in a $1,000 fine and confiscation of a person’s fireworks.