Pennsylvania law and local ordinances govern who and where residents can set off fireworks. And in fact, many of these rules make it difficult to find places to launch a display. Some of the key provisions of the PA`s new Consumer Fireworks Act: Most regulations include rules that require a distance of 150 feet from occupied structures, which almost prevents any use of fireworks. With the restriction, many backyards and other spaces become taboo. Others prohibit the use of fireworks within 200 feet of a structure, property line, vehicle or roadway unless prior written permission is obtained from all landowners in the 200-foot zone. Pennsylvanians are allowed to buy « consumer fireworks » containing up to 50 milligrams of explosive materials. These include fireworks, Roman candles and bottle rockets. Apparently, there`s something about the birth of the United States that makes people blow things up. While the tradition of fireworks dates back to American independence itself, the laws surrounding them have an equally illustrious history in Pennsylvania.
Before you create your own light show on July 4th (as long as you can get your hands on it!), take a look at Pennsylvania`s fireworks laws. This change is the result of a lawsuit filed by fireworks shops against the state. The York Daily Record reported that Phantom Fireworks and some Sky King stores sued the Commonwealth, arguing that their buildings were equipped with security measures that pop-up tents lacked. However, an online question-and-answer session posted by the Pennsylvania State Police reminds residents that several regulations restrict the use of fireworks. Authorities are also reminding residents that they must be 18 to buy fireworks. This change in the law is not only a win for PA fireworks consumers, but also for the state`s entrepreneurs, who now have the unique opportunity to become one of the first fireworks merchants in their community. Retailers are looking for locations to claim their claim, fireworks wholesalers are vying for the business of new and expanding fireworks stores. If you plan to use fireworks on the 4th, there are several ways to have fun while staying safe. Municipalities with local ordinances can prosecute summary offences for those who illegally set off fireworks, ranging from a fine of $100 to $300. « I think the need to get permits to set off fireworks — it`s just a bridge too far, » Lewis said. Western PA Fun: July Calendar Brings Fun, Food and Fireworks to Beaver Valley Anything with more than 50 milligrams of explosives, such as professional fireworks you`d see at a sports game or public festival, is still off-limits to the average consumer and requires special licenses or permits.
After years of complaints from Commonwealth residents about an extension of the state`s fireworks law in 2017 that opened the door for consumers to buy and use fireworks, state lawmakers on Friday approved a measure that would strengthen the law to give communities more power to regulate when fireworks can and cannot be used. The 2017 law allowed anyone over the age of 18 to buy and use Class C fireworks, a term that includes fireworks, Roman candles and bottle rockets. But the expansion of the law has since worried local residents, as well as state and local lawmakers, who say the law is too lax and allows for the unfettered — and illegal — use of firecrackers. The new measure, House Bill 2157, would impose new restrictions on the use of these fireworks and require that mass-display fireworks and consumer fireworks be lit at certain minimum distances from buildings and vehicles. Farry`s bill would limit the time limit for the use of fireworks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except on July 2, 3 and 4 and December 31, when consumer fireworks can be used until 1 a.m. the next day. The bill also requires pet owners to give at least three days` notice before using fireworks near a pet store. Leave that to the Bucks pros: the bright lights of the fireworks are back. Where to reach the 4. Since 2017, Pennsylvanians can legally purchase and use « consumer » or « Class C » fireworks containing up to 50 milligrams of explosives.