If you plan to shoot fireworks to ring in the New Year, read on…
Fireworks have been legal in Georgia since 2005. At first it was just sparklers and smoke bombs and such. Consumer fireworks were legalized in 2015.
Each year since, the Georgia General Assembly has adjusted the law regarding when fireworks can be used and how they may be regulated.
Below is an up-to-date summary of Georgia’s fireworks laws, as of July 1, 2018, from georgia.gov:
You Can Legally Use Fireworks:
• Any day between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
New legislation effective July 1, 2018 gives local authorities the option to restrict the use of fireworks at certain times, provided the restriction is part of a general noise ordinance that does not apply solely to fireworks.
• Regardless of local legislation, the use of fireworks is legal until 11:59 p.m. statewide around certain holidays:
Memorial Day (last Saturday and Sunday in May) Note, these dates do not include the Monday of Memorial Day
Independence Day (July 3 and 4)
Labor Day (first Monday in September)
New Year’s Eve (December 31, extended to 1 a.m. on January 1)
It Is Illegal To Use Fireworks:
• Within 100 yards of any of the following:
Electric plant
Water treatment plant
Waste-water treatment plant
Gas station
Refinery
Electric substation
Jail or prison
Helipad
Hospital
Nursing home
Other health care facility
• Within any park, historic site, recreational area, or other state property
• While under the influence of alcohol or drugs
You must be at least 18 years old to purchase fireworks.
Safety Checklist
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never pick up or try to re-light fireworks that fail to ignite (“duds”).
- Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- Soak used fireworks with plenty of water before discarding.
Find more safety advice at the CPSC Fireworks Information Center.
Courtesy
Fireworks are not fun for everyone.
Respect the law and do not use fireworks outside the legally permitted times. (Learn your local law; noise regulations in your community may restrict fireworks usage more than state law.)
Fireworks can be especially stressful for combat veterans and people with certain cognitive impairments.
Know your neighbors and be sensitive to their needs.
Pets may also react poorly to fireworks. Make sure yours are properly supervised. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers detailed advice for handling pets around fireworks.
For more information visit Georgia Gov.
