How to Enjoy Fireworks in NYC Legally this Summer

All types of fireworks are illegal throughout New York City and any person who violates the law could be subject to fines and/or jail time. There is something special when a firework is lit and sent into the sky, exploding with a beautiful array of colors. Each firework is unpredictable. The noise can be too much to bear for some, but for others it is like you are a kid again when you see fireworks light up the sky in unimaginable ways.

In New York City, all consumer fireworks, including sparklers are illegal to use, buy, sell, or transport. The use and sale of sparkling devices are allowed only in counties and cities that have not enacted a local law that prohibits them. Bronx, Columbia, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, and Schenectady Counties have enacted laws that prohibit the sale and use of sparkling devices. All other types of consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and aerial devices remain illegal statewide. Any person who violates the local or state law banning fireworks can be found guilty of either a class A or class B misdemeanor. Penalties can range from one month to a year in prison, in addition to fines adding up to no more than $1,000.

New Yorkers are encouraged to report the illegal use or sale of fireworks. Call 311 to report past or chronic fireworks use or sale, or to provide tips. If the use or sale of illegal fireworks are in progress, or there is storage of large amounts of fireworks then call 911. The city may reward up to $1,000 for a tip that leads to the arrest and conviction of people selling, storing, or transporting fireworks.

Only contractors registered by the New York City Fire Department are allowed to conduct permitted displays within NYC. An E-20 Certificate of Fitness is required to use and discharge of fireworks. This Certificate of Fitness is valid only for the specific person to whom it is issued and can be used anywhere within New York City. To get a certificate a must complete the certificate of fitness application form, pass a written exam, pay fees that total to $119.75, and get fingerprinted. The application process also includes submitting an employment letter of recommendation. The application will be reviewed within 1-2 days. The certificate must be renewed every year.

 

The official website of the City of New York provided the following list of legal fireworks displays this summer:

Friday, June 22, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

Sunday, June 24, at 10:15 PM-Hudson River (Off Pier 97)

Sponsor: Heritage of Pride

Wednesday, June 27, at 9:15 PM-Little Neck Bay (Off Fort Totten)

Sponsor: Bayside Historic Society

Thursday, June 28, at 9:15 PM-Wards Island (Viewed from Astoria Park)

Sponsor: Central Astoria Coalition

Thursday, June 28, at 9:20 PM-Barge off Orchard Beach

Sponsor: Business Initiative Corporation

Friday, June 29, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

Saturday, June 30, at 9:45 PM-Barge off Fort Hamilton

Sponsor: Fort Hamilton

Tuesday, July 3, at 9 PM-Little League Field in Co-op City

Sponsor: Riverbay Fund

Wednesday, July 4, at 9:25 PM-East River between 19th and 47th Streets

Sponsor: Macy’s

Wednesday, July 4, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

Wednesday, July 4, at 9:30 PM-Barge off Jersey City – Hudson River

Sponsor: Jersey City

Friday, July 6, at 9:30 PM-Barge off Breezy Point – Rockaway Inlet

Sponsor: Breezy Point Co-op

Friday, July 6, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

Friday, July 13, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

Friday, July 20, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

Friday, July 27, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

Friday, August 3, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

Friday, August 10, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

Friday, August 17, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

Friday, August 24, at 9:30 PM-Coney Island Beach

Sponsor: Coney Island Alliance

 

By: David Mateen (David is a CityLaw Intern and a New York Law School Student, Class of 2019.)