New Hampshire
New Hampshire Fireworks Laws (2026): Age 21, Local Option, Sparkler Ban
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited September 24, 2026). · 15 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
New Hampshire allows the retail sale, possession, and display of "permissible fireworks," a broad category defined by reference to the federal consumer-fireworks standard at 27 C.F.R. § 555.11, statewide by default under RSA Chapter 160-C. But any municipality can vote to prohibit sale permits, possession, or display within its own borders, buyers must be 21 or older, and a narrow class of sparklers is banned statewide regardless of local vote.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers New Hampshire's state-level fireworks framework under RSA Chapter 160-C (permissible fireworks) and RSA Chapter 160-B (display fireworks), including the statewide default, the sparkler ban, the age-21 rule, and the municipal local-option vote. It does not list which individual municipalities have voted to prohibit fireworks; confirm the current local rule with your town or city clerk before buying, possessing, or displaying fireworks.
What New Hampshire Allows: Permissible Fireworks
New Hampshire's default is permissive rather than restrictive. RSA 160-C:1 defines the category the state regulates:
"Consumer fireworks" means consumer fireworks as defined in 27 C.F.R. section 555.11 and formerly known as class C common fireworks. ... "Permissible fireworks" means consumer fireworks, except for those items that are prohibited pursuant to RSA 160-B:16.
N.H. RSA 160-C:1, II and V
Because "consumer fireworks" under the federal standard is a broad category, covering firecrackers, aerial repeaters, and Roman candles rather than just ground-level novelties, New Hampshire is a broad consumer-fireworks state, not a sparklers-and-novelties-only state, subject to the sparkler exception below and to whatever a specific municipality has voted under local option.
Anything that does not meet the federal consumer-fireworks definition falls instead into New Hampshire's separate "display fireworks" category, formerly known as class B special fireworks, regulated under RSA Chapter 160-B. Those are exhibition-grade devices sold and displayed only through licensees who hold an individual certificate of competency under RSA 158:9-f, not items an ordinary consumer buys at retail.
The One Statewide Device Ban: Certain Sparklers
One device-level prohibition applies everywhere in New Hampshire, regardless of what a municipality has voted:
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the sale, possession or display of class "C" sparklers or those sparklers consisting of a wire or stick which contain chlorates or perchlorates is prohibited.
N.H. RSA 160-B:16(I)
That ban sits in the display-fireworks chapter rather than the permissible-fireworks chapter, but it applies statewide and cannot be reversed by local vote. Selling a banned sparkler, or possessing one with intent to sell, is a misdemeanor; simply possessing or displaying one without intent to sell is a lesser violation.
Bottle Rockets: A Device-Specific Purchase Condition
New Hampshire also attaches a condition to one specific device rather than banning it outright:
No person shall purchase a bottle rocket unless the person also purchases a rocket launcher or enables the seller to verify that he or she has a rocket launcher appropriate for use with the bottle rocket being purchased.
N.H. RSA 160-C:12-a, I
The statute defines only "bottle rocket," by reference to the American Pyrotechnics Association standard APA 87-1 (2001), section 3.1.2.1, as subsequently amended; "rocket launcher" itself is not defined in the section. The duty runs to the buyer, not the seller: a person may not purchase a bottle rocket unless they also buy a launcher at the same time or let the seller verify they already own one that fits.
Local Option: Municipalities Set Their Own Rule
New Hampshire's statewide default can be overridden town by town or city by city. RSA 160-C:6 gives each municipality the choice:
Any municipality in the state, by action of its local legislative body or local governing body, may vote to allow or to prohibit, within that municipality, the issuance of permits or licenses to sell permissible fireworks or the display or possession of permissible fireworks.
N.H. RSA 160-C:6
That means "are fireworks legal in New Hampshire" does not have one statewide answer. A municipality can vote to prohibit sale permits while still allowing possession and display, prohibit both, or leave the state default in place, and a prior vote stays in force until the municipality affirmatively changes it. Sellers must post the commissioner's list of every municipality that has voted to prohibit display or possession, under RSA 160-C:10, so buyers can check before they purchase. A person who lawfully bought permissible fireworks may transport them from the point of sale into a municipality that has not prohibited possession, but carrying them into one that has can create a separate problem even though the original purchase was lawful.
Age Minimum: 21, With a Military and State Guard Exception
New Hampshire sets a higher purchaser age than most states, and the same number governs possession:
No person shall sell permissible fireworks: (a) To any person less than 21 years of age, unless the person is between 18 and 21 years of age and is on active duty with the United States armed forces or has been called to active service as a member of the state guard; or (b) To any person who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
N.H. RSA 160-C:2, II
RSA 160-C:11 carries the same floor over to possession and display: a person must be 21 or older to possess permissible fireworks, except in a municipality that has voted to prohibit possession under local option, in which case even an adult 21 or older cannot lawfully possess them there. The narrow 18-to-21 exception applies only to active-duty service members and state guard members called to active service, and a seller may not sell to anyone, of any age, who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Sale and Use Windows
No statewide calendar sale-date restriction appears in the sections of RSA Chapter 160-C governing sale, including the definitions, age, licensing, local-option, and transport sections (160-C:1, 160-C:2, 160-C:3, 160-C:6, 160-C:9, 160-C:10, 160-C:12-a, and 160-C:14). Nor does any of the sections governing possession and display (160-C:1, 160-C:11, 160-C:14, and the display-fireworks provisions at 160-B:4) set a use or discharge date, or restrict the hours in which permissible fireworks may be set off. New Hampshire regulates sale and possession through licensing, the age-21 floor, and the local-option vote rather than through a statewide season or clock.
Permits and Licensing
Selling permissible fireworks at retail requires all three of the following, stacked:
No person shall sell fireworks other than a person who meets all of the following requirements: (a) Has a federal permit to sell display fireworks issued in accordance with Title 18 of the United States Code. (b) Has a state license to sell permissible fireworks issued pursuant to RSA 160-C:3. (c) Has a local permit to sell permissible fireworks issued pursuant to RSA 160-C:3.
N.H. RSA 160-C:2, I
A federal permit under Title 18 of the U.S. Code, a state license issued under RSA 160-C:3, and a local permit or license, itself contingent on the municipality's RSA 160-C:6 vote, are all required before a retailer can sell. Licensed sellers must also give purchasers a commissioner-approved safety pamphlet and post the RSA 160-C:10 list of prohibiting municipalities. Display fireworks, the larger exhibition-grade category under RSA Chapter 160-B, require an additional individual certificate of competency under RSA 158:9-f, and only a certificate holder may receive a display permit; issuing a display permit outside that rule is a misdemeanor. A full-time Fireworks Inspector position within the State Fire Marshal's office inspects sales outlets for compliance.
Penalties
New Hampshire tiers its penalties by the specific conduct rather than setting one fine for any fireworks violation:
Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
N.H. RSA 160-C:2, III
- Selling permissible fireworks without the required licenses, or to someone under 21 without the military exception, is a misdemeanor under RSA 160-C:2.
- Selling without posting the required list of prohibiting municipalities, under RSA 160-C:10, is a violation for a natural person or a class B misdemeanor for an entity.
- Possessing or displaying permissible fireworks in violation of the age-21 rule or a municipality's local-option prohibition, under RSA 160-C:11, is likewise a violation for a natural person or a class B misdemeanor for an entity.
- Selling a fireworks item after the commissioner has issued an emergency-removal notice under RSA 160-C:16 is a class B misdemeanor:
Any person who sells a permissible firework item after being notified by the commissioner or designee that the item is prohibited from being sold shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor. In addition, the commissioner may revoke the violator's license for a minimum period of 10 consecutive days, but not to exceed 30 days. On the third violation of this section, the commissioner shall revoke the license for the remainder of the licensure term.
N.H. RSA 160-C:16, III
- Sale, possession, or display violations under the separate display-fireworks chapter (RSA 160-B:2, 160-B:3, 160-B:4, 160-B:5) are each a straight misdemeanor.
- Under the sparkler ban at RSA 160-B:16, selling a banned sparkler, or possessing one with intent to sell, is a misdemeanor; mere possession or display without intent to sell is a lesser violation.
The dollar fines and jail terms attached to New Hampshire's "violation," "misdemeanor," and "class B misdemeanor" classifications are set in the state's general sentencing statute, RSA 651, rather than restated in Chapter 160-B or 160-C; check RSA 651 or with a New Hampshire attorney for the current amounts rather than assuming a figure.
Enforcement and Emergency Removal
The commissioner of the Department of Safety, on the recommendation of the state fire marshal or the director of state police, can order the emergency removal of a specific permissible-fireworks item found to pose an imminent threat to life or property, and must then petition the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission within 15 days for a determination on that item's legal status. Courts may also authorize law enforcement or certified fire citation officers to seize noncompliant stock at the violator's expense under RSA 160-C:5.
Recent Legislative Change
A 2026 act, 2026, 59 (Senate Bill 426), repealed RSA 160-C:13, which had established a Permissible Fireworks Advisory Committee, effective July 7, 2026. The repeal is a governance change: it removes the advisory committee and does not alter which devices are legal, the age-21 rule, the local-option structure, or any penalty described above.
Crossing State Lines
Federal law sets the floor: 16 CFR 1500.17 and Part 1507 define which consumer devices may be sold at all; 27 CFR 555.141(a)(7) exempts the importation, distribution and storage of consumer fireworks from ATF licensing (manufacture is not exempt); 18 U.S.C. 836 makes it a federal offense, punishable by up to one year, to transport fireworks into any state whose law specifically prohibits or regulates their use, in violation of that law, except in the course of continuous interstate transportation, with exceptions for common carriers, water carriers and federal agencies; and USPS Publication 52 § 341.22 bars fireworks from the mail entirely.
Because New Hampshire's own rule already varies by municipality, permissible fireworks bought lawfully in one town can still run into both a neighboring municipality's local-option prohibition and this federal transport statute once carried across a state line into a state that specifically prohibits or regulates their use.
For a neighboring state with a full statewide ban, see Massachusetts's fireworks laws. For a neighboring state with its own separate framework, see Maine's fireworks laws and Vermont's fireworks laws.
For how New Hampshire's rule compares with every other state, see the fireworks laws by state comparison.
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about fireworks laws in New Hampshire as of September 2026. It is not legal advice. Fireworks statutes, local ordinances, sale and use rules, and penalties change frequently and vary by municipality; confirm the current local-option status with your town or city clerk and consult a lawyer licensed in New Hampshire for advice about a specific situation.
Statutes cited reflect their in-force version as of 2026-09-17. Last updated: 2026-09-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fireworks legal in New Hampshire?
Statewide, yes by default. Permissible fireworks, the federal consumer-fireworks category, are legal for retail sale, possession, and display under RSA 160-C:1 and 160-C:6, except for banned sparklers under RSA 160-B:16. But any municipality may vote to prohibit sale permits, possession, or display within its own borders under RSA 160-C:6, so the actual answer depends on the specific town or city.
What is the minimum age to buy or possess fireworks in New Hampshire?
21, under RSA 160-C:2 for purchase and RSA 160-C:11 for possession and display. The one exception is a buyer 18 to 21 who is on active duty with the U.S. armed forces or has been called to active service as a member of the state guard.
Can a New Hampshire town ban fireworks?
Yes. RSA 160-C:6 lets each municipality vote to prohibit sale permits or licenses, or to prohibit possession or display, within that municipality, and a municipality can do one without the other. The prior vote stays in force until the municipality votes to change it.
Are sparklers legal in New Hampshire?
Most sparklers fall under the general permissible-fireworks rule, but class "C" sparklers and any sparkler on a wire or stick containing chlorates or perchlorates are banned statewide under RSA 160-B:16(I), regardless of any municipality's local-option vote.
What is the penalty for illegal fireworks in New Hampshire?
It depends on the conduct. Unlicensed or underage sale under RSA 160-C:2 is a misdemeanor. Failing to post the required list of prohibiting municipalities, or violating the age-21 or local-option possession rule, is a violation for an individual or a class B misdemeanor for an entity under RSA 160-C:10 and 160-C:11. Selling after an emergency-removal notice under RSA 160-C:16 is a class B misdemeanor, and the commissioner may also revoke the seller's license for 10 to 30 days, or for the remainder of the licensure term on a third violation. The dollar fines are set in New Hampshire's general sentencing statute, RSA 651, not in the fireworks chapters themselves.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, TITLE XII PUBLIC SAFETY AND WELFARE, CHAPTER 160-C PERMISSIBLE FIREWORKS
§ 160-C:11Possession and Display of Permissible Fireworks; Penalty.In force
I. Notwithstanding RSA 160-B:4, a person who is 21 years of age or older may possess permissible fireworks except in a municipality which has voted to prohibit possession pursuant to RSA 160-C:6. A person who is 21 years of age or older may display permissible fireworks on private property with the written consent of the owner or in the owner's presence, except in a municipality which has voted to prohibit display of permissible fireworks pursuant to RSA 160-C:6. II. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation if a natural person, or guilty of a class B misdemeanor if any other person.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-24 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-C:2Sale of Permissible Fireworks; Penalty.In force
I. No person shall sell fireworks other than a person who meets all of the following requirements: (a) Has a federal permit to sell display fireworks issued in accordance with Title 18 of the United States Code. (b) Has a state license to sell permissible fireworks issued pursuant to RSA 160-C:3. (c) Has a local permit to sell permissible fireworks issued pursuant to RSA 160-C:3. II. No person shall sell permissible fireworks: (a) To any person less than 21 years of age, unless the person is between 18 and 21 years of age and is on active duty with the United States armed forces or has been called to active service as a member of the state guard; or (b) To any person who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. III. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-C:6Local Option.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
Any municipality in the state, by action of its local legislative body or local governing body, may vote to allow or to prohibit, within that municipality, the issuance of permits or licenses to sell permissible fireworks or the display or possession of permissible fireworks. If the municipality has voted to prohibit the issuance of permits or licenses or the display or possession of permissible fireworks prior to the effective date of this section, such decision shall remain in effect unless subsequent action is taken under this section.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Also relied on in: Fireworks Laws by State (2026): What Is Legal, Sale Dates, Penalties
§ 160-C:1Definitions.In force
In this chapter: I. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the department of safety. II. "Consumer fireworks" means consumer fireworks as defined in 27 C.F.R. section 555.11 and formerly known as class C common fireworks. III. "Display fireworks" means display fireworks as defined in 27 C.F.R. section 555.11 and formerly known as class B special fireworks. IV. "Fireworks" means fireworks as defined in 27 C.F.R. section 555.11. V. "Permissible fireworks" means consumer fireworks, except for those items that are prohibited pursuant to RSA 160-B:16. VI. "Retail" means the sale to any consumer or person not engaged in the business of making sales of fireworks. VII. "Sale" or "sell" means to sell, give, or transfer to another, with or without consideration.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-C:12-aRetail Sale of Bottle Rockets and Rocket Launchers.In force
I. No person shall purchase a bottle rocket unless the person also purchases a rocket launcher or enables the seller to verify that he or she has a rocket launcher appropriate for use with the bottle rocket being purchased. II. In this section, "bottle rocket" means a bottle rocket as defined by the American Pyrotechnics Association in APA Standard 87-1 (2001) 3.1.2.1, as amended.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-C:3Requirements for the Sale of Permissible Fireworks.In force
I. Any person who desires to sell permissible fireworks shall apply to the municipality in which the permissible fireworks are to be sold. Such application shall be in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The licensing board of any municipality or, if one does not exist, the governing body may issue a permit to sell permissible fireworks to a person who applies, provided that the person has a valid permit for the sale of fireworks issued pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code. No permit to sell permissible fireworks shall be issued by the governing body without the prior approval of the police chief, fire chief, and building inspector, if any, of the municipality. The municipality may charge a fee for the permit or application for permit under this section. II. After the person has obtained a municipal permit to sell permissible fireworks, the person may apply for a state license to sell permissible fireworks. Upon application of any person, the commissioner or designee may issue a license authorizing the applicant to sell or market permissible fireworks in this state, provided the person has first obtained a permit to sell fireworks pursuant to RSA 160-C:3, I.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-C:10Sales of Permissible Fireworks Allowed; Penalty.In force
I. Any person who sells permissible fireworks shall post in a conspicuous place on the sales premises a list, prepared by the commissioner, of all municipalities in the state where the display or possession of permissible fireworks is prohibited. II, III. [Repealed.] IV. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation if a natural person, or guilty of a class B misdemeanor if any other person.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-C:16Emergency Removal From Retail Sale of Permissible Fireworks.In force
I. (a) The commissioner may, upon the recommendation of the state fire marshal or the director of state police, at any time and with notice to the permissible fireworks advisory committee, suspend from retail sale or otherwise order the removal from retail sale of any permissible firework item that poses an imminent threat to life and property. (b) The commissioner shall, within 15 days of action taken pursuant to this paragraph, file a report and request a finding from the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, a determination on the legal status of the permissible consumer firework item being suspended or removed by the commissioner from retail sale. (c) The commissioner's suspension or removal of any such firework items shall continue in force and effect until such time as a determination can be made and shall not supersede any finding by the Consumer Product Safety Commission pursuant to the commissioner's report and request. II.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-C:13Permissible Fireworks Advisory Committee.In force
I. There is hereby established a permissible fireworks advisory committee. The composition of this committee shall be as follows: one senator, appointed by the senate president; one representative, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; the state fire marshal, or designee; the director of the division of state police, or designee; and 3 public members, 2 of whom shall be engaged in the retail sale of consumer fireworks in New Hampshire and one of whom shall be a regular purchaser of consumer fireworks, appointed by the governor. No vote of the committee shall take place unless 3 members of the committee are present. The term of office of each member appointed by the governor shall be 2 years and until a successor is appointed and qualified. The other members of the committee shall serve terms coterminous with their terms in office. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner for the unexpired terms. Members shall serve without compensation, except that the legislative members shall receive mileage at the legislative rate. The committee shall elect a chairperson annually. II.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-C:14Transportation.In force
It shall not be unlawful for a person who has legally purchased permissible fireworks to transport them from the point of purchase to a municipality that has not prohibited the possession of permissible fireworks pursuant to RSA 160-C:6.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-C:5Enforcement.In force
Upon application, the superior court or district court is authorized to permit the law enforcement officials or certified fire citation officers of the state, counties, or any city or town to seize, take, remove, or cause to be removed at the expense of the owner all stocks of permissible fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored, or held in violation of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict or limit any other authority granted by law to law enforcement officials or certified fire citation officers.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, TITLE XII PUBLIC SAFETY AND WELFARE, CHAPTER 160-B FIREWORKS
§ 160-B:16Certain Sparklers Prohibited; Penalties.In force
I. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the sale, possession or display of class "C" sparklers or those sparklers consisting of a wire or stick which contain chlorates or perchlorates is prohibited. II. Any person who sells or possesses with intent to sell class "C" sparklers or sparklers consisting of a wire or stick which contain chlorates or perchlorates shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. III. Any person who displays or possesses without intent to sell class "C" sparklers or sparklers consisting of a wire or stick which contain chlorates or perchlorates shall be guilty of a violation.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-B:4Possession; Penalty.In force
I. No person shall possess fireworks other than the following: (a) A person who has in the person's possession a certificate of competency issued pursuant to RSA 158:9-f and a valid permit to display issued pursuant to RSA 160-B:7. (b) A person who has a federal permit to sell display fireworks issued in accordance with title 18 of the United States Code, a state license issued pursuant to RSA 160-B:6, and a municipal permit issued in accordance with RSA 160-B:6, or an employee of such person. For the purposes of this subparagraph, "employee" shall be limited to a person who is reported as an employee for state and federal tax purposes and for unemployment compensation purposes. (c) A common carrier which is in possession of a bill of lading indicating that fireworks are being shipped to or from a licensed and permitted seller or a person who has a certificate of competency and a permit to display. (d) Any manufacturer or common carrier shipping fireworks in interstate commerce through the state of New Hampshire which are not being delivered or received in this state. (e) A person who has a licensed facility for the storage of display fireworks pursuant to RSA 158:9-c. II.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-B:2Sale; Penalty.In force
I. No person shall sell fireworks other than a person who meets all of the following requirements: (a) Has a federal permit to sell fireworks issued in accordance with title 18 of the United States Code. (b) Has a state license to sell display and consumer fireworks issued pursuant to RSA 160-B:6. (c) Has a local permit to sell display and consumer fireworks issued pursuant to RSA 160-B:6. II. No person shall sell fireworks other than either: (a) To a person who presents a certificate of competency issued pursuant to RSA 160-B:7 and RSA 158:9-f and leaves a copy of such certificate and who presents a permit to display issued pursuant to RSA 160-B:7 and leaves a copy of such permit; or (b) To a person who possesses and shows a license for the storage of class B fireworks issued pursuant to RSA 158:9-f; or (c) At wholesale to a person engaged in the sale of fireworks meeting all of the specifications in RSA 160-B:6, VII. III. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2004
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Fitanides (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1995, 139 N.H. 425)“…as convicted of unlawful possession and sales of fireworks, RSA 160-B:2 and :4 (1994), after a jury trial in Su…”
- Appeal of New Hampshire Fireworks, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2004, 151 N.H. 335)“…ble Aerial Shells and Smoke Bombs were sold in violation of RSA 160-B:2, RSA 160-B:16-a and RSA 644:16-b at the…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 160-B:3Display; Penalty.In force
I. No person shall display fireworks other than a person who meets all of the following requirements: (a) Has obtained a certificate of competency issued pursuant to RSA 158:9-f which shall be in such person's possession at the time of display and which has not been revoked or suspended. (b) Has obtained a municipal permit to display issued pursuant to RSA 160-B:7 which shall be in such person's possession and which has not been revoked or suspended. II. Any person who violates the provisions of this section by displaying display fireworks shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. III. Any person who violates the provisions of this section by displaying consumer common fireworks shall be guilty of a violation for a first offense and a misdemeanor for any subsequent offense.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 160-B:5Issuance of Permit; Penalty.In force
I. No person shall issue a permit or license to display fireworks contrary to this chapter. II. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, TITLE XII PUBLIC SAFETY AND WELFARE, CHAPTER 158 EXPLOSIVES AND EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES
§ 158:9-fRules; Enforcement.In force
I. The commissioner of safety may adopt rules pursuant to RSA 541-A relative to: (a) The sale, storage, handling, transportation, inspection, administration, and use of explosives, including provisions relative to the purchase of insurance by commercial entities. (b) The procedures for the sale, storage, handling, transportation, inspection, administration, permit fees, and use of display fireworks to be followed by the licensing board of any city or town, or if a duly constituted licensing board does not exist, the chief of police of a city or town, if any, or the governing board of a town, city, or village district, when issuing permits for the sale or display of display fireworks pursuant to RSA 160-B. Rules adopted pursuant to this subparagraph shall include a requirement that no person may be issued a display permit for display fireworks unless the person has previously demonstrated his or her competence to handle such displays and has been issued a certificate of competency by the department of safety. (c) The purchase of insurance by commercial entities, relative to the sale, storage, handling, transportation, inspection, administration, and display of display fireworks.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Code of Federal Regulations Title 16
§ 1500.17Banned hazardous substances.In forcecited in 36 of our articles
(a) Under the authority of section 2(q)(1)(B) of the act, the Commission declares as banned hazardous substances the following articles because they possess such a degree or nature of hazard that adequate cautionary labeling cannot be written and the public health and safety can be served only by keeping such articles out of interstate commerce: (1) Mixtures that are intended primarily for application to interior masonry walls, floors, etc., as a water repellant treatment and that are “extremely flammable” within the meaning of section 2(1) of the act (repeated in § 1500.3(b)(10)). (2) Carbon tetrachloride and mixtures containing it (including carbon tetrachloride and mixtures containing it used in fire extinguishers), excluding unavoidable manufacturing residues of carbon tetrachloride in other chemicals that under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use do not result in an atmospheric concentration of carbon tetrachloride greater than 10 parts per million.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-23 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ecfr.gov
Cited in 16 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- United States v. Midwest Fireworks Mfg. Co., Inc. Fireworks of America Ltd. Corp. Pacific Fin. Servs. Of America, Inc. Larry Lomaz David Bowman (Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit 2001, 248 F.3d 563)“…venty-nine types of fireworks and the constitutionality of 16 C.F.R. § 1500.17 (a)(3) (2001). We affirm. BACKGR…”
- United States v. Charles Focht, an Individual, and Mark Focht, an Individual, Doing Business Under the Name Liberty Industries (Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit 1989, 882 F.2d 55)“…al, the government asserts the district court misconstrued 16 C.F.R. § 1500.17 (a)(3), (8) when it held the regulation…”
- United States v. Shelton Wholesale, Inc. (District Court, W.D. Missouri 1999, 34 F. Supp. 2d 1147)“…ams) of pyrotechnic composition (the "amount test"). See 16 C.F.R. § 1500.17 (a)(3). 2. for all "[r]eloadable tube…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Delaware Fireworks Laws (2026): Sparklers, Novelties, Dates, DC Fireworks Laws: Permitted List, Licensing, Penalties, Florida Fireworks Laws (2026): Sparklers vs. Holiday Rules
Code of Federal Regulations Title 27
§ 555.11Meaning of terms.In forcecited in 6 of our articles
When used in this part, terms are defined as follows in this section. Words in the plural form include the singular, and vice versa, and words indicating the masculine gender include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude other things not named which are in the same general class or are otherwise within the scope of the term defined. Act. 18 U.S.C. Chapter 40. Adjudicated as a mental defective. (a) A determination by a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, or mental illness, incompetency, condition, or disease: (1) Is a danger to himself or to others; or (2) Lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage his own affairs. (b) The term will include— (1) A finding of insanity by a court in a criminal case; and (2) Those persons found incompetent to stand trial or found not guilty by reason of lack of mental responsibility by any court or pursuant to articles 50a and 76b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 850a, 876b. Alien. Any person who is not a citizen or national of the United States. Ammunition.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ecfr.gov
Cited in 12 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- United States v. Sam Droganes (Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit 2013, 728 F.3d 580)“…material,” in turn, is defined by federal regulations. See 27 C.F.R. §§ 555.11, .23. The list includes “display firewo…”
- Tripoli Rocketry Ass'n v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit 2006, 437 F.3d 75)“…ich releases and directs work through a propellant charge.” 27 C.F.R. § 555.11 (2005). Appellants claim that there…”
- United States v. Colon-Osorio (Court of Appeals for the First Circuit 2004, 360 F.3d 48)“…the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. See 27 C.F.R. § 555.11 (2003) (defining "flash powder" as "[a…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Colorado Fireworks Laws (2026): Permissible Fireworks, Penalties, Maine Fireworks Laws (2026): Age 21, Hours, Penalties, Montana Fireworks Laws (2026): Sale Windows and Penalties
§ 555.141Exemptions.In forcecited in 41 of our articles
(a) General. Except for the provisions of §§ 555.180 and 555.181, this part does not apply to: (1) Any aspect of the transportation of explosive materials via railroad, water, highway, or air which is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and its agencies, and which pertains to safety. For example, regulations issued by the Department of Transportation addressing the security risk of aliens transporting explosives by commercial motor or railroad carrier from Canada preclude the enforcement of 18 U.S.C. 842(i)(5) against persons shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing explosives incident to and in connection with the commercial transportation of explosives by truck or rail from Canada into the United States. Questions concerning this exception should be directed to ATF's Explosives Industry Program Branch in Washington, DC. (2) The use of explosive materials in medicines and medicinal agents in the forms prescribed by the official United States Pharmacopeia or the National Formulary.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at ecfr.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2006
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Tripoli Rocketry Ass'n v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit 2006, 437 F.3d 75)“…imported, or distributed for their intended purposes.” See 27 C.F.R. § 555.141(a)(8) (2005) (current exemption); 26 C.…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Georgia Fireworks Laws (2026): Legal Statewide, No Local Ban, Hawaii Fireworks Laws (2026): Permits, Use Windows, and Penalties, Idaho Fireworks Laws (2026): What's Legal and When
United States Code Title 18
§ 836Transportation of fireworks into State prohibiting sale or useIn forcecited in 52 of our articles
Whoever, otherwise than in the course of continuous interstate transportation through any State, transports fireworks into any State, or delivers them for transportation into any State, or attempts so to do, knowing that such fireworks are to be delivered, possessed, stored, transshipped, distributed, sold, or otherwise dealt with in a manner or for a use prohibited by the laws of such State specifically prohibiting or regulating the use of fireworks, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. This section shall not apply to a common or contract carrier or to international or domestic water carriers engaged in interstate commerce or to the transportation of fireworks into a State for the use of Federal agencies in the carrying out or the furtherance of their operations. In the enforcement of this section, the definitions of fireworks contained in the laws of the respective States shall be applied. As used in this section, the term “State” includes the several States, Territories, and possessions of the United States, and the District of Columbia. This section shall be effective from and after July 1, 1954.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at uscode.house.gov
Cited in 15 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- United States v. James A. Womack (Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit 1981, 654 F.2d 1034)“…eworks has been traditionally left to the states. He cites 18 U.S.C.A. § 836 , which prohibits the transportation of…”
- United States v. Bernard J. Semel (Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit 1965, 347 F.2d 228)“…y an information containing eighteen counts with violating 18 U.S.C.A. § 836 by having feloniously caused to be tra…”
- Cohen v. Bredehoeft (District Court, S.D. Texas 1968, 290 F. Supp. 1001)“…the states from legislating in this area. On the contrary, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 836 indicates an intent to encourage state…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alabama Fireworks Laws (2026): Legal Fireworks, Age Rules, Penalties, Alaska Fireworks Laws (2026): Age-18 Minimum, No Sale Window, Arizona Fireworks Laws (2026): Legal Devices, Local Rules, Penalties
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Sources and References
- N.H. RSA 160-C:1 - Definitions (permissible fireworks; 27 CFR 555.11 reference)(gc.nh.gov).gov
- N.H. RSA 160-C:2 - Sale requirements, age-21 restriction, penalty(gc.nh.gov).gov
- N.H. RSA 160-C:3 - State license requirements for sale of permissible fireworks(gc.nh.gov).gov
- N.H. RSA 160-C:6 - Municipal local-option vote(gc.nh.gov).gov
- N.H. RSA 160-C:10 - Posting of prohibiting-municipalities list; penalty(gc.nh.gov).gov
- N.H. RSA 160-C:11 - Possession and display; age-21 and local-option limits; penalty(gc.nh.gov).gov
- N.H. RSA 160-C:12-a - Bottle rocket launcher requirement(gc.nh.gov).gov
- N.H. RSA 160-C:13 - Permissible Fireworks Advisory Committee (repealed by 2026, 59, eff. July 7, 2026)(gc.nh.gov).gov
- N.H. RSA 160-C:16 - Emergency removal from retail sale; penalty(gc.nh.gov).gov
- N.H. RSA 160-B:16 - Prohibited sparklers(gc.nh.gov).gov
- 16 CFR 1500.17 - Banned hazardous substances (consumer fireworks device standard)(ecfr.gov).gov
- 16 CFR Part 1507 - Fireworks devices(ecfr.gov).gov
- 27 CFR 555.141(a)(7) - Exemption for importation, distribution, and storage of consumer fireworks(ecfr.gov).gov
- 18 U.S.C. 836 - Transportation of fireworks into a state where prohibited or regulated(uscode.house.gov).gov
- USPS Publication 52 § 341.22 - Nonmailable explosives (fireworks)(pe.usps.com).gov