It’s illegal to buy fireworks in Wyoming and bring them to Colorado

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Just a few miles north of the Colorado-Wyoming border lies a handful of firework warehouses , which are legal in Wyoming but banned in Colorado.

In Colorado, the average person can’t possess, launch or transport most fireworks – and yes, this includes legally buying them in another state and bringing them to Colorado.

It’s illegal to launch – or even have – fireworks, except for “permissible fireworks,” according to Colorado Revised Statute 24-33.5-2002 , “Unlawful use or sale of fireworks – exceptions.”

According to Colorado Revised Statute 24-33.5-2005 , “Importation of fireworks – duties of licensees – retention of invoices for inspection,” it’s considered a petty offense to bring fireworks from a different state.

It shall be unlawful for any person not licensed as a display retailer, wholesaler, or exporter under the provisions of section 24-33.5-2004 to bring any fireworks including permissible fireworks into this state. Retail purchasers shall not purchase fireworks by mail order or receive any fireworks in Colorado by mail, parcel service, or other carrier. All fireworks sales and deliveries to retail purchasers in Colorado shall be made in Colorado and shall be conducted only by persons licensed pursuant to this part 20.”

C.R.S. 24-33.5-2005, Section 1

In Colorado, a petty offense can range from a couple of hundred dollars in fines to jail time.

There are exceptions to this law , such as governing bodies granting permits for storing and discharging fireworks.

Meanwhile, fireworks with less than 50 milligrams of explosive material are allowed in areas where they are deemed legal . These include fountains, ground spinners, illuminating torches, dipped sticks and sparklers, trick noisemakers and tube devices.

While most fireworks are legal in border states like Wyoming, the hour and 30-minute drive from Denver to the border isn’t worth it for a possible fine.

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