A Refresher on Michigan Fireworks Laws As July 4th Tents Start to Open

As I was driving home from work the other day, I noticed the 4th of July Fireworks tents starting to go up in parking lots, and some of them have already opened their flaps for business. Of course, we're only a few weeks away from the Fourth now, so it stands to reason that people will begin building their arsenal for the holiday.

But keep in mind, just because the tents are open for business, doesn't mean it's already legal to start shooting off fireworks in your backyard. There are rules, and laws ya know.

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FIrst thing's first, if you're wanting to sell or transport fireworks in Michigan, it's illegal without a permit. However, there are exceptions for some smaller ones, including poppers, snappers, toy trick noisemakers and some smoke devices.

Beyond that, when it comes to buying them, it seems there's not specific timetable where it is, and is not legal. However, local municipalities pretty well create their own rules when it comes to that.

There are only a few restrictions when it comes to the sale, and shooting off of fireworks in Michigan, thanks to a House Bill passed in December of 2018.

State Law permits individual municipalities to regulate the use of fireworks within a specific timeframe. Using fireworks outside what is specified by local ordinances is illegal and fines can be imposed. Also, municipalities must allow fireworks to be lit the day before, the day of, and the day after the National Holiday in question.

From there, it's completely up to the municipalities.

For Kalamazoo, Fireworks are permitted on the days before and after the holiday, and can only be discharged on personal property, NOT on public streets, sidewalks, or someone else's private property.

For the 4th of July, the city allows the discharging of fireworks from June 29th to July 4th from 11 am to 11:45 p.m. It also allows for July 5th if it falls on a Friday or Saturday.

Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Detroit have similar laws, however, Detroit does NOT allow for discharge on July 5th, no matter what.

So have fun this 4th of July, but keep in mind, just because the tents are open, doesn't mean you're OK to start firing them off.