Some fireworks are legal in NC. Here’s which ones you can have for July 4
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- North Carolina permits fireworks that don’t explode or fly into the air.
- Possessing illegal fireworks may result in a $500 fine or up to six months in jail.
- Fireworks may disturb or traumatize some people and animals.
Fourth of July and fireworks go together like tortilla chips and guacamole.
For many, it’s hard to imagine capping off Independence Day celebrations without witnessing a light show in the sky.
But North Carolina laws prohibit people from shooting off fireworks, even in the spirit of patriotism.
Here’s which fireworks are — and aren’t — legal in North Carolina, and what happens if you’re caught with illegal fireworks.
Are fireworks legal in NC?
North Carolina doesn’t have an outright ban on fireworks.
Poppers, sparklers, fountains and items that don’t explode, spin, leave the ground or fly through the air are OK, according to the City of Winston-Salem. Snake and glow worms, smoke devices and noisemakers like snappers are all fine.
South Carolina’s laws regarding fireworks are more relaxed, and some North Carolinians have crossed the state line to procure fireworks, then bring them home and fire them. That’s not legal.
If you have legal fireworks, you can use them in your neighborhood.
But remember that the noise and smells associated with some fireworks may be traumatic for combat veterans or people who have experienced an explosion, fire or gun violence, according to the U.S. Department for Veterans Affairs.
Pets and other animals may also be disturbed by fireworks, and may run away or into roadways.
Which fireworks are illegal in NC?
Firecrackers, ground spinners, bottle rockets, Roman candles and aerial fireworks are not permitted for sale or possession in North Carolina, according to the Town of Apex.
Do-it-yourself fireworks shows are not allowed.
To see Fourth of July fireworks shows, attend an event hosted by cities and towns. Raleigh’s Fourth of July celebration will be held at the Lenovo Center this year, instead of Dorothea Dix Park. The Durham Bulls and Charlotte Knights host major fireworks shows for the holiday too.
What happens if you’re caught with fireworks?
People who violate state law may be fined up to $500 and/or imprisoned for up to six months, according to the Town of Fuquay-Varina.
How old do you have to be to buy fireworks in NC?
State lawmakers proposed legislation earlier this year that would raise the minimum age for purchasing fireworks in North Carolina to 18.
Those bills did not become law, so the rules remain unchanged: People must be at least 16 years old to buy fireworks.
Fireworks safety
If you are going to use fireworks, keep these tips from local fire departments in mind:
- Only purchase fireworks from reliable vendors.
- Don’t modify fireworks or try to make your own.
- Find a cool, dry place to store fireworks.
- Don’t carry fireworks in your pockets.
- Don’t wear loose clothing when using fireworks.
- Have a fire extinguisher or water nearby in case a fire starts. Hoses or a bucket of water will do the job.
- Light fireworks one at a time. If a firework doesn’t light, don’t try to light it again. Instead, pour water on it.
- Light fireworks outside on a paved surface, away from grass, trees and other plants.
- Don’t shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container.
- Don’t point fireworks at people, animals, cars, buildings, trees or flammable objects.
This story was originally published June 30, 2025 at 11:22 AM with the headline "Some fireworks are legal in NC. Here’s which ones you can have for July 4."
