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What you need to know about New York's fireworks law

Submitted

Tue, Jun 28th 2016 10:45 am

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:

  • Sparkling fountains (cylindrical and cone)
  • Sparklers on wooden sticks, but not metal
  • Smoking devices
  • Snakes
  • Confetti-filled party poppers
  • Paper-wrapped snappers

What kinds of fireworks are not legal:

  • Bottle rockets

And other fireworks that fly, such as ...

  • Firecrackers
  • Bottle rockets
  • Roman candles
  • Spinners
  • Other aerial devices

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.

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