Fireworks FAQ

Yes, Class C, Consumer Fireworks are legal, except those prohibited pursuant to RSA 160-B:16. They may be purchased at licensed retail stores throughout the state. These fireworks are also known as Permissible Fireworks and we use these terms interchangeably.

Only licensed professionals (pyrotechnicians) may use Display Fireworks. These devices were formerly known as "Class B" Fireworks and are used only for professional shows.

• Cylindrical fountains
• Cone fountains
• Ground spinners
• Helicopers/aerial spinners
• Roman candles
• Mines
• Cakes
• Shells
• Reloadable mortars
• Parachutes
• Firecrackers
• Novelties
• Smoke devices containing less than 100g of pyrotechnic composition
• Bottle rockets/ sky rockets/ missiles
• Sparklers
• Morning glories

Yes. NH RSA 160-C does give towns, cities, or local municipalities the authority to adopt local ordinances.

No. Fireworks must be purchased from a licensed New Hampshire retailer.

You must be at least 21 years old.

Retail stores that do not possess a license to sell New Hampshire approved permissible fireworks are allowed to sell the following unregulated consumer firework devices that are classified as novelties:

• Sparklers
• Party poppers
• Snakes
• Snappers

Both types of fireworks contain flash powder, which is considered an explosive material.

Consumer/permissible fireworks include ground devices with less than 50 milligrams of flash powder and aerial devices with less than 130 milligrams of flash powder. Some small devices designed to produce audible effects are included, such as whistling devices. Smoke devices containing not more than 100 g of pyrotechnic composition are also considered permissible.

Display fireworks are the large fireworks used in shows. Display fireworks include aerial shells, cakes, candles and other display pieces that meet the definition of 'display fireworks' in 27 CFR § 555.11. They include any devices that exceed the limits of explosive materials for classification as "consumer fireworks."

Releasing sky lanterns into the air (untethered) is a violation of the State Fire Code (Administrative Rules Saf-C 6000, NFPA 1:3.3.201). The use of unmanned, free-floating sky lanterns and similar devices utilizing an open flame shall be prohibited. They can be used if they are "manned," tethered or otherwise secured to prevent them from becoming free-floating.

No. The United States Government has banned the production, sale, possession, and display of items like this.

Look for a manufacturer's name on each item or on the box in which they were packaged. Each device should also list instructions for proper use and have cautionary labeling. The manufacturer's name and cautionary labeling are required by law. Fireworks without this information are probably illegal and, therefore, to be avoided. If you suspect that you have illegal fireworks, contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms at 1-888-ATF-BOMB.

Fireworks may only be used on private property that you own, or with written permission from the landowner, or in the owner’s presence, except where fireworks are locally prohibited.

Some prohibited locations include New Hampshire beaches, parks, campgrounds, and State and Federal forest lands. You should also check local laws & ordinances.

You can use New Hampshire permissible fireworks where fireworks are not prohibited.

Under New Hampshire law, the State Fire Marshal’s Office has no regulations on this. Please check with the local fire department or local government for local regulations.

One can be held liable in any civil action for damages to another's property. In other words, you can be sued for using fireworks on property that isn't yours.

Do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency! You can report the illegal use of fireworks by calling your local law enforcement agency's non-emergency dispatch. Under New Hampshire law, they are authorized to enforce fireworks laws.