Sure, fireworks are fun, but be cautious and careful.
Below are Texas’ Top 10 fireworks laws (but remember, laws may vary county to county).
Happy Independence Day to America, this July 4, 2008!
THE TOP TEN TEXAS FIREWORKS LAWS, HOW TO AVOID GETTING POPPED
- Ever notice how we don’t shoot fireworks off for Easter? Fireworks can only be sold from June 24th through July 4th and December 20th through January 1st.
- It is illegal to sell or shoot fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids, flammable compressed gasses or fireworks are sold or stored. Makes sense to me!
- Despite what you may have seen in the movies, it is illegal to shoot fireworks from or towards a motor vehicle, including boats.
- It is illegal to shoot fireworks from a public roadway, public property, park, lake or U.S. Corps of Engineer Property. Would hate to set a lake on fire.
- The minimum age to buy or sell fireworks was recently changed from 12 to 16. Should probably be 26.
- It is illegal to shoot fireworks within 600 feet of a church, hospital, day-care center or school. I most certainly wouldn’t want to go into surgery with a constant barrage of fireworks outside the building.
- It is illegal to shoot fireworks within city limits and, in many cities, it’s also illegal just to possess them. Selling, igniting or possessing fireworks within city limits can carry hefty fines approaching $2,000. Yet, country clubs just keep getting away with this.
- In unincorporated areas where fireworks are legal, you may only shoot off fireworks if you own property there, or if you receive written permission from a property owner. A county “burn ban” outside incorporated areas often translates into a prohibition against shooting fireworks. So no blowing up the neighbor’s mailbox without their permission!
- If you start a fire by shooting fireworks and the fire was found to be started intentionally, you may be subject to the charge of arson. If the fire is found to be accidental, you may be subject to a fine. In either case, you may be held civilly liable for damages.
- Beginning January 2, 2008, bottle rockets (a.k.a. pop rockets) were banned. You know you’re addicted to fireworks if you built up a reserve supply of bottle rockets prior to the ban.
In all seriousness, play it safe and keep in mind that fireworks are somewhat unpredictable.
That said, have a wonderful 4th of July!
*Looking for more up to date information on Texas firework laws? Check out our latest post.
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