Know The Rules: Fireworks Laws In Indiana Explained

With Independence Day on the way, many of you will be heading outside with family and friends for cookouts and fireworks, but when can you legally light off your fireworks?

Fireworks are an American tradition when it comes to celebrating the 4th of July, and while they certainly can be fun, they are still explosives that pose a serious threat to the safety of yourself, others, and surrounding personal property. Because of the potential for danger, there are laws governing when and where you can set off your July 4th fireworks.

Like all states, Indiana has laws and ordinances outlining where you are and are not allowed to shoot off fireworks. Likewise, there are restrictions on when you can set them off as well.

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Indiana Fireworks Laws

Indiana's fireworks laws are regulated by the state Fire Marshall. However, your local city or county may also have ordinances with additional rules in place.

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According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, fireworks you can only set off fireworks on property that is yours or property that you have permission to be using. Additionally, fireworks in Indiana can be set off between the hours of 9 am and 11 pm, most days of the year.

Fireworks use is limited to personal property, the property of someone who has approved the use of fireworks or a location designated specifically for the use of consumer fireworks. Throughout the year it is legal in Indiana to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., but this may be limited further by local ordinances. - Indiana Department of Homeland Security

Again, where you live makes a difference as many cities and counties have their own ordinances. For example, in Evansville, Indiana you can only set off fireworks "between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and two hours after sunset not to exceed 10:30 p.m. on June 29th, June 30th, July 1st, July 2nd, July 3rd, July 5th, July 6th, July 7th, July 8th, and July 9th," according to Municipal Code 9.10.020.

There are some exceptions to the state ordinance, and all of those exceptions revolve around specific holidays. On state holidays, the time frame is extended to midnight, while on the 4th of July itself, the allowable time is 10:00 AM to midnight - one hour later than the rest of the year. Fireworks are also allowed on New Year's Eve from 10:00 AM until 1:00 AM on New Year's Day.

What Could Happen if You Violate Indiana Fireworks Laws

If you violate Indiana fireworks laws, the penalties can be severe. According to the Indiana State Police, charges can range from a Class C Infraction to a Class A Misdemeanor and even up to a Level 5 Felony in the event of death.

A person who violates this law can be charged with a class “C” infraction. However, if a person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses fireworks and the violation causes property damage, they can be charged with a class A misdemeanor. If there is bodily injury it is enhanced to a Level 6 felony, and if there is death a Level 5 felony.

If you do plan to set off fireworks this Independence Day, please be safe and follow the laws. If you'd rather leave it to the professionals, keep reading to find more than a dozen locations to watch professional fireworks displays in southern Indiana and western Kentucky.