DETROIT (WWJ) - If you're planning to set off fireworks for Independence Day, keep in mind that Michigan has some new regulations.
Individuals 18 and older are permitted to use fireworks June 29 - July 5 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. each day.
Legislation passed late last year reduced the days fireworks could legally be used from 30 to 12, including:
- Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
- Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend until 11:45 p.m.
- June 29 to July 4, and July 5 if the date falls on a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend until 11:45 p.m.
State law requires that fireworks only be ignited from personal property. It is illegal to ignite fireworks on public property (including streets and sidewalks), school property, church property, or another person's property without their express permission. State law makes it illegal to discharge fireworks when intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
Violators could face a $1,000 fine.
Consumers should always buy from state-certified fireworks retailers – whether in a permanent building or a tent – and should consider these important safety tips to protect lives and property:
ALWAYS:
- Follow the manufacturer's directions
- Have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers
- Light fireworks one at a time, then immediately back away to a safe distance
- Keep people and pets out of range before lighting fireworks
- Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and highly flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap
- Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them
NEVER:
- Buy fireworks packaged in brown paper or use unlabeled fireworks – they are for professional use only
- Experiment with or make your own fireworks
- Allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks
- Place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
- Try to re-light "duds" or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully (Rather, wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water)
- Point or throw fireworks at other people
- Carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers
- Sparklers should not be considered harmless for kids -- a significant number of young children are injured by being poked with sparkler wires and are badly burned by sparklers each year, per the CPSC
For a list of legal consumer fireworks, legal low impact fireworks and novelties, click here.
