Georgia’s New Fireworks Law Explained
Georgia’s New Fireworks Law Explained
It’s almost time to celebrate the independence of our great nation. The 4th of July is a great time to spend time with family, fire up the grill, and enjoy some fireworks. If your unsure what Georgia’s laws are concerning fireworks, don’t worry Schiavone Law has you covered!
In April of this year the General Assembly of Georgia voted 124-41 to legalize the sale of fireworks, House Bill 110. Supporters of this legalization of fireworks say this new market could create between 1,000-1,500 jobs and 50 to 100 retail stores across the Peach State. No longer will Georgians have to cross state borders to purchase fireworks.
How does this new state law technically define fireworks?
“’Consumer fireworks’ means any small fireworks devices containing restricted 35 amounts of pyrotechnic composition, designed primarily to produce visible or audible 36 effects by combustion, that comply with the construction, chemical composition, and 37 labeling regulations of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission as 38 provided for in Parts 1500 and 1507 of Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the 39 United States Department of Transportation as provided for in Part 172 of Title 49 of the 40 Code of Federal Regulations, and the American Pyrotechnics Association as provided for 41 in the 2001 American Pyrotechnics Association Standard 87-1, and additionally shall 42 mean Roman candles.”
Or in simpler terms, “‘Fireworks’ means any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or
50 combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or
51 audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation, including blank
52 cartridges, balloons requiring fire underneath to propel them, firecrackers, torpedos,
53 skyrockets, Roman candles, bombs, sparklers, and other combustibles and explosives of
54 like construction, as well as articles containing any explosive or flammable compound
55 and tablets and other devices containing an explosive substance.”
The new Georgia fireworks law does have some stipulations.
-You must be 18 years old to light them.
-Fireworks can only be lit from 10am to midnight, however during the 4th and New Year’s Eve, the curfew is 2am.
-Fireworks cannot be lit within 100 yards of nuclear power plant or gasoline station and you are liable for any damage they may cause.
Make sure to ask a knowledgeable and licensed retailer how to safely enjoy your fireworks if you are unsure of how to handle them properly. At Schiavone Law we want you and your family to have a safe and happy celebration!
If you happen to have any run-ins with the law or have any legal questions that need answering we are here to help.
Contact us at 770-578-2344