What Fireworks Are Legal in Illinois for Fourth of July 2025

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, you may be thinking about buying some fireworks to celebrate, but if you live in Illinois, you'll want to read this first.

Are Fireworks Legal in Illinois?

Few things are as American as celebrating Independence Day surrounded by friends and neighbors while you blow up small pyrotechnic devices. However, every state is different when it comes to its laws surrounding consumer fireworks.

Which Fireworks Are Allowed in Illinois?

In Illinois, the law is rather strict regarding the sale and use of consumer fireworks. For example, there are only a handful of consumer fireworks that are allowed, and they all must comply with the regulations set forth by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

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Not only do consumer fireworks in Illinois have to meet the regulations outlined by the national government agency, but they must also meet the strict requirements of the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

They must be labeled as "1.4G Consumer" or they have to be 1.4S fireworks and classified "UN0337" for consumer use outdoors.
They must have been inspected by the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL). The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal points out that it is the responsibility of the distributor and the retailer to ensure the products they are distributing or selling have been inspected.
They must be "ground mounted." Handheld fireworks are not allowed in Illinois.

According to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, approved Consumer Fireworks in Illinois include:

Cones
Shower of Sparks
Fountains
Repeaters (also known as Cakes)

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Restrictions on Approved Fireworks

Now, even though these are allowed, there are still restrictions. A single tube fountain cannot consist of more than 75 grams of "pyrotechnic composition." Cone fountains cannot contain more than 50 grams, and multiple-tube fountains cannot contain more than 500 grams total.

Mines
Comets
Tubes
Shells
Fancy Florals
Parachutes

Again, even though these are technically allowed, there are restrictions.

These items are firework devices designed to produce low-level aerial effects, which are propelled into the air by a lift charge. Shells will burst at the peak of flight to create a display of stars, reports or other effects or leave a trail of sparks until exhausted. These items contain a maximum of 40 grams of chemical composition and no more than 20 grams of lift charge. - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

Fireworks That Are Banned in Illinois

What about fireworks that are prohibited in Illinois? The list of prohibited fireworks in Illinois includes most everything not included above, except sparklers, but we'll get to those in a minute. Prohibited fireworks in Illinois include (but are not limited to):

Any type of Handheld fireworks
Bottle rockets
Skyrockets
Roman candles
Chasers
Buzz bombs
Ground items other than those identified as Approved Consumer Fireworks
Helicopters
Missiles
Pinwheels or any other twirling device - it doesn't matter if it's on the ground or mounted above ground - these are not allowed.
Planes
Sky lanterns (a type of balloon requiring fire underneath as propulsion
All types of firecrackers

Are Sparklers Legal in Illinois?

So, what about sparklers? These glowing rights of passage fall under the category of "unregulated novelty effects," according to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Other items considered "unregulated novelty effects" include:

Snakes pellets
Glow worm pellets
Smoke devices
Noisemakers known as "Party Poppers," "Snappers," "Cigarette Loads," etc
Toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, etc.

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toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices in which paper or plastic caps containing twenty- five hundredths grains (16 mg) or less of explosive compound are used, provided they are so constructed that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in place for the explosion; • toy pistol paper or plastic caps that contain less than twenty hundredths grains (13 mg) of explosive mixture.

While the Pyrotechnic Use Act does permit the sale and use of sparklers, it should be noted that local municipalities have the final authority regarding the sale and use of sparklers on public property.

Safe Alternatives to Fireworks

If you're looking for a safer alternative to sparklers, consider using glow sticks. They come in lots of colors, glow in the dark, and don't create the hazards that sparklers do. Keep reading for more tips to stay safe this Independence Day!

How to Stay Safe This Fourth of July

Fireworks safety tips from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to ensure that you, your friends, and your neighbors have a safe and happy 4th of July.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals