Is it legal for an individual to buy and use fireworks in the City of Philadelphia?
Fireworks (Class "C" Consumer-level) including firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and similar fireworks can be bought and sold (in a brick and mortar store, not a tent) in the City of Philadelphia with:
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a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material and
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can't be set off within 150 feet of an occupied structure or set off without the property owner's permission, making it very difficult to find a place to actually use the fireworks once you buy them without a permit.
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They cannot be set off in public spaces without a permit.
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It is also illegal to discharge fireworks under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug, and
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they cannot be discharged from, within or toward a motor vehicle or building or near trees and power lines.
You Should Know:
Generally, they are not legal to use within the city limits without a Fire Department permit. You must be 18 or older to buy Consumer-level Fireworks.
- Misusing consumer fireworks is a summary offense punishable by a fine up to $100 upon conviction.
- Illegally selling consumer fireworks is a second-degree misdemeanor, which typically carries a maximum sentence of up to two years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
- Illegally selling display fireworks or federally prohibited explosives are both third-degree felonies, which typically carry a maximum sentence of up to seven years in jail and/or a $15,000 fine.
There is a 12 percent fireworks tax on top of the six percent sales tax to help the state's first responders.
Further Information:For further regulation info, go to https://www.phila.gov/2020-06-30-fireworks-regulations-in-philadelphia/.
For further information, refer to the PA State Police Website: https://www.psp.pa.gov/public-safety/pages/fireworks-safety.aspx.
