Maryland Fireworks

Maryland law exempts from "fireworks" only sparklers without chlorates or perchlorates, nonaerial and nonexplosive ground-based sparkling devices labeled under CPSC rules, paper-wrapped snappers under 0.03 grains, mercury-free ash "snakes" and certain toy caps (Md. Public Safety 10-101). Everything else, including firecrackers, Roman candles, rockets and aerial shells, needs a State Fire Marshal permit to possess or discharge, and localities may restrict even the exempt items.

In Maryland, retailers may sell consumers only the items outside the state fireworks definition — sparklers without chlorates or perchlorates, nonaerial and nonexplosive ground-based sparkling devices, paper-wrapped snappers, ash snakes and toy caps (Md. Public Safety 10-101) — and may not sell sparklers or sparkling devices to anyone under 16 (10-112). Selling any other fireworks without a State Fire Marshal permit is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 (10-110, 10-111). Local rules may be stricter, so check locally.

No consumer permits exist — nearly all consumer fireworks are banned in Maryland. Only approved sparklers, ground-based sparkling devices, and novelties are legal statewide, and even those are banned in Baltimore City, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties.