The 4th of July is tomorrow, and we all know what that means: The casual and festive use of explosives. Well, that is if you live in (or near?) one of the 42 states where that sort of thing is allowed. If you're unsure whether you live in party town or under a wet blanket, this map can help you out.


The American Pyrotechnic Association has a detailed collection of PDFs that outline the various ins and outs of firework use in all 50 states, but the map above is the best quick reference for the level of (pyrotechnic) freedom your state—and its neighbors, winkwinknudgenudge—provides.

So before you start planning your annual arsenal, take a quick peek at what you can get away with and plan accordingly. Keep in mind, too, that counties and municipalities have their own legal peculiarities as well, so even if your state allows them your local sheriff might not. And whatever you do, try to make it to July 5th with all your lovely digits intact, OK? Happy exploding!


[American Pyro]