Arizona fireworks laws: Maricopa and Pima counties

Senate Bill 1158, signed by Gov. Jan Brewer last year, requires municipalities in Maricopa and Pima counties to allow the sale and use of ground fireworks around July 4 and New Year's Day.

Here's a quick breakdown of what that means.

What types of fireworks are legal?

Permissible fireworks include ground spinners, spark­ling wheel devices and cylindrical, square, cone and California rocket-shaped fountains.

Novelties, such as smoke devices, sparklers, party poppers and snap caps, are permitted year-round.

What types of fireworks are illegal?

Skyrockets, bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles and aerials are not permitted under the new law because of their ability to detonate in the air.

When can I buy fireworks?

Residents may legally purchase fireworks: May 20 - July 6, Dec. 10 - Jan. 3.

When can I use the fireworks?

Residents may legally use fireworks: June 24 - July 6, Dec. 24 - Jan. 3.

Residents may use ground spinners, sparking-wheel devices and fountain shaped fireworks: June 24 - July 6.

Where can I use fireworks?

The new bill allows cities and towns to ban the use of fireworks on public property, but they cannot ban use on private property.

Most municipalities continue to ban fireworks on public property, but specific rules can vary by city. You are encouraged to contact your local police or fire department with questions about where you can legally use fireworks in your area.

What could happen if I violate the law?

Civil penalties range from $150 to $1,000, depending on the violation. Violating fireworks provisions is no longer a Class 3 misdemeanor.

However, SB1158 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum $1,000 fine for using fireworks on preservation lands within a city that has purchased 15,000 acres or more for preservation purposes.

Is the law the same all over Arizona?

The new law applies only to communities in Maricopa and Pima counties. Municipalities in Arizona's other counties can ban the use of fireworks, primarily because of wildfire concerns.