Understanding Fireworks Laws in Ohio
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As we gear up for Fourth of July celebrations, it's critical to know when, where, and how you can legally set off fireworks in Ohio—and what safety measures to follow.
What’s legal under Ohio law?
Thanks to Amended Substitute House Bill 172, which took effect July 1, 2022, Ohioans may now discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks (commonly known as firecrackers, roman candles, fountains, etc.) on specified holidays and within specific hours—on private property only, and only with the property owner's permission.
Legally permitted display dates include:
July 3, 4, and 5, plus the Fridays–Sundays before and after
Labor Day weekend
Diwali
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Chinese New Year
Cinco de Mayo
Memorial Day weekend
Juneteenth axios.com+6hudson.oh.us+6perrysburgoh.gov+6montgomeryohio.gov+1stowohio.org+1
Times are generally 4 pm–11 pm (extended to 11:59 pm on New Year's Eve)stowohio.org+4perrysburgoh.gov+4montgomeryohio.gov+4.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s role
Governor DeWine signed House Bill 172 on November 8, 2021, authorizing consumer fireworks on holidays like New Year’s, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Labor Day weekends wlwt.com+9whio.com+9ohiosenate.gov+9. His veto of an earlier bill and subsequent collaboration with lawmakers ensured the final law included robust safety measures and provisions for local controlen.wikipedia.org+3whio.com+3wlwt.com+3.
Currently, there’s no new action from Gov. DeWine regarding expanding or restricting approved holidays. The approved list above remains in effect heading into 2025.
What Can Local Jurisdictions Do?
State law allows counties, townships, and cities to enact stricter rules or even ban fireworks entirely—for example, Columbus still prohibits personal fireworks without a fire department permiten.wikipedia.org+8axios.com+8elkandelk.com+8. Always check local ordinances before lighting up.
State Regulations & Safety Requirements
Under Ohio Revised Code § 3743.45 and Ohio Fire Code § 5626, 1.4G consumer fireworks must comply with:
Only adults 18+ may purchase or discharge fireworks.
Min. safety distances: 150 ft for aerial devices, 50 ft for ground devices.
No fireworks while under the influence—doing so is a first-degree misdemeanor.
Storage limits: No more than 125 lbs net without additional safety infrastructure.
Fireworks are strictly outdoor use—no indoor displays.montgomeryohio.gov+3stowohio.org+3wlwt.com+3stowohio.org+4hudson.oh.us+4montgomeryohio.gov+4wlwt.com
Safety Tips for a Responsible Celebration
Use fireworks on your own or permitted private property
Maintain safe distances per particle type
Adult supervision only—keep children back
Never mix fireworks and alcohol
Watch local alerts—don’t ignite during burn bans or high winds
Have fire safety gear ready: hose, extinguisher, phone
Never relight “duds” and dispose them safely after soaking
A Final Legal Reminder
Only use fireworks on approved days/times listed above.
Ensure no bans exist in your city or township.
Violation penalties can include confiscation, up to $1,000 fines, and even jail time for misdemeanorsperrysburgoh.govelkandelk.comstowohio.org.
Bottom Line from Lipson O’Shea Legal Group
We want your Independence Day to be safe, festive, and legally sound. Our legal expertise ensures you celebrate with confidence—just:
Know your dates: allowed holidays
Check your locale: any local bans?
Prioritize safety: distances, supervision, no alcohol intoxication
