Penalties for fireworks arrest depend on location

“Penalties for misuse of fireworks or possession of illegal fireworks are misdemeanors punishable by a fine,” reads part of the Delaware Fire Marshal's Fireworks Guide. “Damage or injury caused by the use of fireworks may result in criminal charges.”

Can I be arrested for fireworks in Pennsylvania?

The penalties for arrest for fireworks in Pennsylvania are comparatively more severe in Pennsylvania than in Delaware and New Jersey.

“A person using consumer fireworks in violation of the provisions of [Fireworks Act of 2022] commits a summary offense and, upon conviction, shall, in addition to any other penalty authorized by law, be subject to a fine not exceeding $500,” according to the Pennsylvania Consolidated Fireworks Law. “A subsequent offense under this subsection committed within three years of a prior conviction under this subsection constitutes a summary offense and, on conviction, is, in addition to any other penalty authorized by law, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.

Anyone arrested for illegally selling fireworks in Pennsylvania will be subject to fines of up to $10,000.

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist covering news stories in the Mid-Atlantic region.