Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
By the New York Press Association
New York state has a new fireworks law for the 4th of July. Here's how to follow it.
How: The state passed a law in 2014 that allows fireworks leading up to the 4th of July and New Year's Eve - but only in counties that also pass a local law to allow it. Local counties include Allegany, Cattaraugus and Niagara.
What kinds of fireworks are legal:
What kinds of fireworks are not legal:
And other fireworks that fly, such as ...
And it is not legal to set off fireworks in counties that did not approve the new law, even if you bought them in a county that allows fireworks, according to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
Who: You must be 18.
Why: The point of the new law is to stop people from buying fireworks in other states. The state estimates legalization could generate $2 million in tax revenue this year. Many New Yorkers head south to buy fireworks legally just across the border in Pennsylvania.
When: The use of sparklers is legal from June 1 to July 5 and from Dec. 26 to Jan. 2.
Where: Sparklers are legal this year in counties including Allegany, Cattaraugus and Niagara, according to the New York State Association of Counties.