FIREWORK LAWS IN INDIANA

Indiana’s fireworks laws can be found in Indiana Code 22-11-14, and cover when, where, and who can discharge fireworks.

Types of 1.4 Fireworks (previously known as “Class C”)

• consumer = certain types of 1.4G Fireworks (bottle rockets,roman candles, and fire crackers).
• Sec. 8(a) = sparklers, ground spinners, cone fountains, wheels,cylindrical fountains.
• Special Fireworks = 1.3G Fireworks for which a permit from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives shall be obtained prior to purchase, storage, or use.

Conduct that, when violated, creates criminal liability

• Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of ageor older.
• Children may only possess or use any kind of reworks when an adult is present.
• Fireworks may be used:
  • On the user’s property.
  • On the property of someone who has consented to the use of Fireworks on that property.
  • At a special discharge location. * special discharge location = a place designated for the discharge of consumer fireworks under temporary policies of the State Fire Marshal.
  • consumer and Sec. 8(a) fireworks may be used only between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on days other than holidays.
  • On major holidays you can discharge fireworks until midnight.

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING INDIANA’S FIREWORKS LAWS

• A person who uses consumer fireworks at any place other than the 3 options listed in 2c or at times other than those listed in 2d, commits a class C infraction that may result in a maximum fine of $500 per infraction. More than 1 infraction in 5 years may constitute a change of a class C misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment up to 60 days and a maximum fine of $500.
• A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and damages someone else’s property commits a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment up to 1 year and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and causes serious injury to someone else, commits a class D felony punishable by imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses consumer fireworks that causes death, commits a class C felony punishable by imprisonment from 2 to 8 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• A person less than 18 years of age who possesses or uses a firework when an adult is not present and responsible at the location commits a Class C infraction that may result in a fine of up to $500 per infraction.

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

If you plan to use fireworks, make sure to follow these tips to keep you and your family as safe as possible.

• Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place out of children’s reach.
• Always purchase your fireworks from licensed fireworks dealers.
• Use a clear, open area. Keep audience a safe distance away from the shooting site.
• Never attempt to re-light, alter, or fix any firework item.
• Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby.
• Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions and light fireworks
  with wind blowing away from the spectators.
• Never aim, point, or throw fireworks at another person.
• Always use fireworks outdoors.