What fireworks are allowed in Illinois?

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — As Americans get ready to celebrate Independence Day, most fireworks remain illegal to use in Illinois.

Illinois is one of only three states that do not allow some or all types of “consumer” fireworks according to the state’s Pyrotechnic Use Act which bans the use of:

• Handheld fireworks
• Bottle rockets
• Skyrockets
• Roman candles
• Chasers
• Buzz bombs
• Ground items other than those identified as approved “Consumer Fireworks”
• Helicopters
• Missiles
• Pinwheels or any other twirling devices
• Planes
• Sky Lanterns
• Firecrackers (all types)

According to WGN, anyone found in possession of a “Consumer Firework” can be subject to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

However, sparklers are considered non-consumer fireworks, along with smoke bombs, snappers, trick matches, party poppers, and snake pellets.

Federal law bans M-80s, cherry bombs, and certain other fireworks.

It is also illegal to buy fireworks in Wisconsin, Indiana, or a neighboring state and bring them into Illinois.

According to the Illinois Policy Institute, most fireworks were outlawed in Illinois in 1942 , when state Rep. William G. Thon, [R-Chicago], drafted the Pyrotechnic Use Act.

Since then, there have been numerous failed attempts to legalize the use of consumer fireworks.

Some politicians see legalizing consumer fireworks as a way to earn money that Illinois residents are already spending elsewhere.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission conducted a study in 2022 that determined the types of fireworks that result in the most visits to emergency rooms across the nation:

• Firecrackers — 1,300 injuries
• Sparklers — 600 injuries
• Illegal firecrackers — 500 injuries
• Roman candles — 400 injuries
• Rockets (non-bottle) — 300 injuries
• Small firecrackers — 200 injuries

Safety tips include:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks — including sparklers
• Be sure the fireworks you’re using are legally made
• Keep buckets of water or garden hoses handy in case of a fire
• Light fireworks one at a time and move away quickly
• Never try re-lighting or picking up fireworks that haven’t ignited fully
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs

The most-injured body parts are hands and fingers, while legs and the head/face are next-most-injured.

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