Alabama Fireworks

Alabama permits DOT Class C (1.4G) consumer fireworks — aerial devices, audible ground devices, sparkling devices and novelties — with audible items limited to firecrackers of up to 50 mg and aerial devices of up to 130 mg of explosive composition (Ala. Code 8-17-217). Ground salutes over the consumer limit are banned outright and are a Class C felony (8-17-218, 8-17-224). Cities may further restrict or ban aerial, audible and sparkling devices by ordinance (8-17-226).

In Alabama, consumer fireworks may be sold only in person by a State Fire Marshal–permitted retailer — annual retailers year-round, seasonal retailers only June 20 to July 10 and December 15 to January 2 — never by mail order, and not from tents or vehicles (Ala. Code 8-17-210, 8-17-211, 8-17-221(d)). The code authorizes retail sales to Alabama residents (8-17-220), and cities may restrict sales by ordinance (8-17-226).

In Alabama, no personal permit is needed to buy or use consumer fireworks, but you must buy from a seller holding a State Fire Marshal permit — buyers must require proof of it — and show a valid driver's license or state ID (Ala. Code 8-17-211, 8-17-213, 8-17-222). Fireworks may not be sold to anyone under 16 unless accompanied by an adult, and it is illegal to explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, public school or enclosed building or within 200 feet of where fireworks are stored or sold, to ignite or discharge them in or from a motor vehicle, or to throw a lit firework into or at a vehicle or at or near any person (8-17-222). Cities may further restrict the sale or use of fireworks by ordinance (8-17-226), so check the local rules where you are. Public displays of special fireworks need a State Fire Marshal display permit (8-17-216).