TRENTON -- Just in time for the Fourth of July, Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday signed a bill legalizing "non-explosive, non-aerial" fireworks such as sparklers and party poppers.

The legislation allows both the possession and sale of non-explosive fireworks, like sparklers, glow-worms and smoke devices. It means retailers that stock them can legally sell them ahead of Tuesday's Independence Day celebration.

New Jersey had been one of just three states, along with Delaware and Massachusetts, with a blanket ban on fireworks, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.

Under the new law, Garden State residents can buy, sell and use fireworks such as sparklers and ground-based sparklers, and novelty items, including party poppers and snappers.

But to be clear, lighting up a "Roman candle" could still cost you plenty in the Garden State: Illegal of explosive, aerial fireworks are considered a disorderly persons offense and carry a fine of up to $500.

Also still on the banned list: Firecrackers, sky rockets and bottle rockets.

Parents should bear in mind that sale of the newly permitted sparklers and party snaps are limited to those 16 years of age and older.

Previously, state law prohibited anyone from selling or using fireworks in New Jersey outside of town-approved public displays. Even selling sparklers could put you at risk for conviction of a fourth degree crime, which carries up to 18 months behind bars and up to $10,000 in fines.

Retailers hoping to stock up and sell the approved fireworks must observe federal safe-storage guidelines established by the National Fire Protection Agency.

The bill passed the state Senate by a vote of 35-1 last month and cleared the Assembly 74-1 last week, but was not expected to affect this year's Fourth of July.

Appearing on his monthly call-in radio show on Monday night, Christie warned that he was going to proceed with extreme caution.

"When you got the pen in your hand and you're going to be able to make it legal, you want to lessen the opportunity for someone to blow their hand off like JPP," Christie explained, referring to Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who badly injured his right hand in July 2015 in a fireworks accident in Florida.

Claude Brodesser-Akner may be reached at cbrodesser@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClaudeBrodesser. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.