What fireworks are legal in Illinois and what’s the penalty for those that aren’t?
Get your sparklers ready for the 4th of July because they may be the only fireworks you will be allowed to use if you live in Illinois.
The state has rigid regulations on what fireworks are permitted and which are illegal.
What’s allowed in each local town?
Eighty years ago, in 1942, the state of Illinois passed the Illinois Pyrotechnic Use Act, which made it illegal to purchase and use fireworks other than novelty items.
Police departments in towns like Belleville, Fairview Heights, O’Fallon, Collinsville, East St. Louis, Freeburg, Highland, Millstadt, Monroe Country, Breese, Edwardsville, Mascoutah and Cahokia Heights adopted the state guidelines as their own.
Some kinds of fireworks are allowed, but consumer fireworks that could cause damage to people and property are not.
What’s prohibited?
According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office, these fireworks are prohibited in the state:
Hand held fireworks
Bottle rockets
Firecrackers of any size or type
Sky rockets
Roman candles
Chasers
Buzz bombs
Ground items other than those identified as Approved Consumer Fireworks
Helicopters
Missiles
Pinwheels or any other twirling device whether on the ground or mounted above the ground
Planes
Sky Lanterns, the type of balloon which requires fire underneath to propel same
How strictly do local police enforce fireworks laws?
O’Fallon police captain David Matevey, Highland Sgt. Aric Steinbeck, and Highland Chief Alan Hucke each said they take enforcement of the state statutes on fireworks seriously.
“Essentially, we are just looking at enforcing the state rules and regulations that are already in the books,” Matevey stated.
In O’Fallon, residents may defend themselves in municipal court. Otherwise, they can count of a fine of up to $750 if they’re found guilty. Those found to have possession of consumer-grade fireworks could face a Class A misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $2,500 or one year in prison.
“Our intent in our enforcement campaign is to target those that are setting off a larger or commercial-grade type of fireworks that will create more of a hazard,” said Matevey. “There’s more risk associated with people that are setting them off and there is more risk of property damage should something go awry.”
Some metro-east cities have imposed additional fireworks ordinances in addition to the state laws. You can check with your local police department for those details, but an already restrictive state statues always take precedence.
“We have state regulations as far as fireworks and then we also have a city ordinance,” said Steinbeck, of Highland. “We will respond to complaints of fireworks and investigate them.”
Both officers said if there are any issues with residents popping illegal fireworks then they will be on the scene to resolve the problem.
“We follow the state law as far as fireworks over village ordinance,’ Chief Hucke said. “If we get complaints about people discharging illegal fireworks, then we will address those issues.”
Watch them legally
Law enforcement officials across the metro-east encourage residents to seek out displays that are organized by licensed pyrotechnic professionals. Here are a few to choose from:
July 3: Fireworks Over O’Fallon will begin @8:30 p.m. Located: O’Fallon Family Sports Park, 301. Obernuefemann Rd, O’Fallon, IL. For more information: ofallon.org
July 3 :Alton has their Fireworks Spectacular from 5:00 p.m - 10 p.m. Located: 1 Riverfront Dr., Alton, IL. For more information: fun4stlkids.com
July 4: Mascoutah Fourth of July Fireworks from 9:30 p.m. - 10:30 pm. Located: Scheve Park Harnett St & Harper Road Mascoutah IL. For more information: illinoisouth.org
July 4: Highland will host a firework display from 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 P.M. Located: Quarry Recreation Center. For more information: highlandil.gov
July 4: Webster Groves Fireworks 4th of July, 2022 will host a fireworks display hat kicks off @9:30 p.m. Located: St.Louis, Missouri. For more information: rove.me/to/st-louis/webster-groves-fireworks-4th-of-july