Pennsylvania State Law and Fireworks
Who could imagine celebrating a holiday such as the Fourth of July without fireworks? However, many people fail to realize the danger involved with handling fireworks, and some states, such as Pennsylvania, have established laws limiting what kind of fireworks consumers can purchase.
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Display and Consumer Fireworks
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Display fireworks, as defined by the U.S. government, are large fireworks intended to produce visual and audible effects through some type of ignition and subsequent explosion. Consumer fireworks are smaller fireworks that produce visible effects through an explosion, and comply with certain regulations under the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, state law prohibits the use of consumer and display fireworks in Pennsylvania without a permit.
State Fireworks Law
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Pennsylvania residents can purchase ground and handheld sparkling devices, novelties and toy caps. However, state law requires a permit issued by the municipality where a fireworks display will take place in order for a Pennsylvania resident to purchase consumer or display fireworks.
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Nonresidents of Pennsylvania
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According to the Pennsylvania Police Department, it is legal for nonresidents of the state of Pennsylvania, upon proof of out-of-state residency status, to purchase consumer fireworks from a facility licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. However, the fireworks must immediately be taken out of Pennsylvania before use.
Fireworks Safety
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When handling fireworks of any type, read and follow the instructions, use them outside in an open area, make sure there is supervision by a responsible adult, use only one item at a time and put used items in a bucket of water before disposal.
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References
- Photo Credit fireworks image by Angie from Fotolia.com
