Fireworks are the star of the show on Independence Day, but in a handful of states lighting up the sky is actually illegal. Most of the U.S. allows some form of consumer fireworks, though restrictions vary widely. That means what’s legal in one place may be totally banned just a few zip codes away. States like California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Oregon limit fireworks to “safe and sane” options, which forbids explosions, no flights, and minimal fire risk. Illinois, Massachusetts, and Vermont have banned fireworks altogether. It’s illegal in these states to sell, possess, or use any type of fireworks without a professional license. In Massachusetts, that includes the tiniest of sparklers or party poppers. Illinois and Vermont, however, allow sparklers, smoke bombs, snakes and poppers. So, if you live in one of these three states, your only chance for a 4th of July with fireworks is to travel to another state.
