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Health & Fitness

2013 Fireworks Law & How It Affects You!!!

The Michigan Fireworks Law has changed! What you need to know!

It’s that time of year again, when the night is interrupted by loud booms and bright flashes of light.  Dogs begin to bark, and some pets go into hiding…. Yes, we’re talking about fireworks, and the law has once again changed!  So, I thought that I would review these rules, laws and separate fact from fiction. First a snippet of fireworks history in Michigan….

FICTION:  “ALL FIREWORKS ARE LEGAL NOW!” –

FACT:  The laws governing fireworks were changed in 2011 and now allows for use and sale of consumer fireworks without a permit.  Examples of consumer fireworks are firecrackers, sky lanterns, bottle rockets, roman candles and aerial shells not exceeding 1.75 inches in diameter.

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Then we have what are called “low-impact” fireworks, or formally known as “Class C” which have been legal in Michigan for quite some time. These include large sparklers, smoke devices, fountains, cones, etc.

“Novelty Fireworks” include paper caps, snakes, toy smoke devices, party poppers and common sparklers.  

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On January 1, 2012 the State of Michigan passed a law increasing the variety of fireworks that the public is now allowed to use.  Michigan became what was known as the “Wild, Wild West” when it came to Fireworks. 

Because there were limited places to purchase “The Good Stuff” here in Michigan, people still resorted to out of state sales, and purchased things that were still not legal here in Michigan.  The inevitable happened, and people were shooting them off at all hours of the day and night, and everywhere.  As a result, many citizens had issues with the late night or early morning use of fireworks, which leads us to House Bill 4743 of 2013.

House Bill 4743 allows local governments to pass laws detailing when fireworks can and cannot be used. Those who utilize fireworks may want to check with their local government entities in case they have recently passed laws regulating the times fireworks can be used. A violation of the time restrictions could lead to a $500 fine.

Other things a person should know if they choose to use fireworks.

·       Consumer Fireworks (average citizen of MI) usage is limited to the DAY BEFORE, the DAY OF, and the DAY AFTER a National Holiday!  

According to Sgt. Thompson of the Brighton MSP Post:

  • MCL 28.462(3) explains what happens to a person who uses fireworks while under the influence of alcohol which includes penalties from a 30 day misdemeanor to a 15 year felony.
  • MCL 28.462(1) explains it is a civil infraction when a person uses fireworks on someone else’s property, without the owner’s permission. (THIS INCLUDES YOUR FIRWORKS LANDING ON SOMEONE ELSES PROPERTY WITHOUT PERMISSION!)

Here is some further information that you can read in regards to what you are responsible to know about when using fireworks in Michigan….Remember, if you choose to use them, you are held to ALL of the following Standards, Michigan Laws, and Rules.  For your convenience, I am posting links to them ALL.  Make sure you know the law today, so you don’t end up paying HUGE this holiday!  Of course, you could limit all liability, save money, and leave it to the professionals!

2013 House Bill 4743 Summary
 
Michigan Fireworks Safety Act 256

Michigan Fireworks Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Website

Please be safe, leave the fireworks to the adults, and be sure to supervise children at all times!  Should you have any questions, or I may be of further assistance, you can always reach me at 810-632-7676 or at firemarshal@hartlanareafire.com

Yours In Fire Safety,
Michael R. Bernardin
Fire Marshal - Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority






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