HUDSON, OH (June 30, 2023) - With the passage of Ohio House Bill 172 which became effective on July 1, 2022, Ohioans can legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks in Ohio. However, discharge is only permitted on specific days and only at specific times.
Under Ohio's previous fireworks law, individuals could purchase consumer-grade fireworks in Ohio but had to transport them out of state within 48 hours.
What are 1.4G Fireworks?
Formerly known as Class C common fireworks, items classified as 1.4G explosives are consumer fireworks intended for use by the general public.
When can Hudson residents discharge fireworks?
Individuals can discharge 1.4G fireworks only from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. (per HB 172) on the following dates:
July 3, 4, and 5, and the Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays immediately preceding and following July 4th
Where can consumers discharge fireworks?
Consumers can discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks on their own property or on another person's property with that person's permission.
Fireworks must be discharged responsibly.
What laws and rules apply?
- No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.
- Persons under the age of 18 cannot be within 150 feet of the discharge point of aerial fireworks.
- Aerial devices cannot be discharged within 150 feet of spectators (this includes aerial shells, roman candles, cakes, and bottle rockets).
- Non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators (this includes fountains, firecrackers, and ground effect devices).
- Fireworks cannot be discharged indoors.
- Fireworks cannot be aimed at or discharged towards any person or object (such as buildings).
- Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property or private school property.
- Fireworks cannot be discharged if drought conditions exist or in an area where a red flag warning is in place or a weather hazard exists.
- Fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of property housing livestock unless 5 days advance written notice is provided to the owner of the property where the livestock is housed.
More information about HB 172 and new Ohio fireworks regulations can be found at www.legislature.ohio.gov. Here is a link to the specific page: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA134-HB-172. ;