The PA General Assembly passed House Bill 542 in October of 2107.  This bill was subsequently signed into law by the Governor.  This law is also referred to as PA Title 72 §§ 9404.

PA residents can purchase and use “Class C” fireworks.  These fireworks are commonly known as consumer-grade fireworks.  These can include firecrackers, bottle rockets, and other fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive materials.  These were previously available for out of state residents.

Display fireworks or “Professional Grade” are fireworks that contain more than 130 grains of explosive material.  These can still only be used by a professionals that have proper permits through the state and local governing bodies.

High explosive fireworks including M-80s, M-1000s, quarter and half sticks are still illegal and cannot be used or possessed.

The new law for consumer grade fireworks is as follows:

Title 72 Section 9404 – Use of Consumer Fireworks

(a) Conditions – A person who is at least 18 years of age and meets the requirements of this article may purchase, possess, and use consumer fireworks

(b) Prohibitions – A person may not intentionally ignite or discharge:

     (1) Consumer fireworks on public or private property without the express permission of the owner.

     (2) Consumer fireworks or sparkling devices within, or throw consumer fireworks or sparkling devices from, a motor vehicle or building.

     (3) Consumer fireworks or sparkling devices into or at a motor vehicle or building or at another person.

     (4) Consumer fireworks or sparkling devices while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.

     (5) Consumer fireworks within 150 feet of an occupied structure.

The LWTPD urges everyone to use caution when using fireworks.  Please heed the above prohibitions.  When complaints are received and violations are found, citations will be issued to the responsible parties.  The fine for violating the new law is $100 plus costs.

Lower Windsor Township also adopted a Fireworks Ordinance on 10/10/2019 (Ordinance No. 2019-02).  In the ordinance, there are set times for setting off fireworks.

A person shall not discharge consumer fireworks from any property for more than one hour, measured on a cumulative basis, in any given twenty-four-hour period; and two hours, measured on a cumulative basis, in any given ten-day period. Consumer fireworks usage must occur between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, but may be extended from 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. to midnight on December 31 and from midnight to 12:30 a.m. on January 1, and from 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. to midnight on July 4.

This LWT Ordinance also prohibits a person from igniting or discharging consumer fireworks from any public roadway, right-of-way, or sidewalk that is owned, controlled, or maintained by Lower Windsor Township.

For more information please visit the Lower Windsor Township's website and click on Township Ordinances in the top right hand corner.