What Fireworks Are You Allowed to Shoot Off?

As we get closer to the 4th of July, many people are stocking up on some spleen splitters, whisker biscuits, honkey lighters, hoosker doos, hoosier don'ts, cherry bombs, nipsy daisers — with or without the scooter stick — or whistlin' kitty chasers.

But believe it or not, even here in the land of the free, there are still some states that have rules in place for fireworks, with one state banning them all together.

That's right, you can't buy any sort of sort of consumer fireworks in Massachusetts. None. Zilch. Nada.

In Hawaii, Nevada and Wyoming, the sale of fireworks differs from county to county, and the state allows each to set their own rules.

Fifteen other states, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin, allow the sale of non-aerial fireworks. Meaning your sparklers, roman candles, snakes and other ho-hum fireworks are a go. But if you want the big ones that really boom, you need to cross state lines.

As you can imagine, many residents do cross those state lines in search of neighborhood sky domination. But that could get you in some hot water if you are busted. Some New York residents have had some major problems going into the state of Pennsylvania and returning home with a trunk full of boom.

Believe it or not, in many states it's actually much easier to get fireworks than before. Example: Did you know that until 2017, the state of Pennsylvania allowed for the sale of fireworks, unless you lived in Pennsylvania. Yes, you read that correctly. The state did not allow residents of the state to purchase fireworks. Out of state residents? No problem!

In 2022, Ohio repealed their law that you could buy fireworks in the state, but only if you left the state of Ohio within 48 hours of purchasing the fireworks.

The good news is that chances are you are not much further than a tank of gas from getting the good stuff. Of course, your local area could have special restrictions, so make sure you check before lighting anything. Always take caution, be careful and have a great 4th of July!

Wood is host of the Taste of Country Mornings with Wood and Nicole that can be heard every morning from 6-10am CST on the 'Taste of Country' app, on local affiliates where available and online at tasteofcountry.com.