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Ohioans can now legally set off fireworks on certain holidays, under legislation signed by Gov. Mike DeWine.
The legislation allows Ohio residents to set off consumer grade fireworks on certain holidays, including New Year's Eve and Day, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth, days on and around July 4, Labor Day, and the Hindu festival of Diwali. Under previous law, individuals could purchase consumer-grade fireworks in Ohio but had to transport them out of state within 48 hours.
Here's a breakdown of what you can and can't do under the new law (according to the Ohio Department of Commerce):
Beginning July 1, 2022, unless limited by local laws, the following dates are when discharge of consumer fireworks is permissible under the safety conditions established in state and local law.
No person can use fireworks while in possession or control of, or under the influence of, any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance. A person who violates this is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor.
Consumers may purchase fireworks from any of the licensed sales locations throughout the state of Ohio. When purchasing fireworks, the retailer must provide buyers with safety glasses for free or at a nominal charge. Safety pamphlets must also be provided outlining the safe use of fireworks.
Prior to any hobbyist activities, Fireworks hobbyists must petition the State Fire Marshal for and be granted a variance to possess explosives, pyrotechnics, or similar raw materials, or to make any fireworks. If a variance is granted, fireworks hobbyist activities must still be limited to the manufacture, possession, and use of individual items with each item meeting the definition of either a consumer-grade (1.4G) firework or a commercial-grade (1.3G) firework. A hobbyist may only possess a total of 5 pounds of explosives, pyrotechnics, or similar raw materials, at any one time.
As part of the new law, any political subdivision may opt-out of allowing the ability to discharge within their limits so discuss with your local officials the best course of action for your jurisdiction.
The State Fire Marshal must promulgate rules related to the new fireworks law. A fireworks rule development committee is being assembled and must compile recommendations for these new rules by May 12, 2022. For input into these rules, it is recommended that you contact the committee’s fire service representatives selected by the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association.
The State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio’s chief regulatory agency. The Department is focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.
Despite the new state law going to affect statewide, local municipalities are able to set their own rules and prohibitions on fireworks.
However, a majority of our local municipalities are allowing the law to stand untouched.
One notable exception is the city of Cincinnati, which has an ordinance that prohibits fireworks that will remain in effect. Only fireworks designated as "trick or novelty" will be allowed. These include: smokes, sparklers, snaps and snakes.
The city of Oxford has also announced fireworks are still prohibited within city limits. Oxford City Council has decided to continue the ban on fireworks within city limits, which includes possession, sale and discharge of fireworks.
In Fairfield, fireworks are still prohibited under a city ordinance.
In Dayton, fireworks are still prohibited and police will continue to enforce efforts related to fireworks complaints.
If you know of another municipality that has a limit on fireworks once the law goes into affect, email us at web@wlwt.com
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