We receive a large number of questions about when fireworks can be used and where, so we've provided some information below that will hopefully help:
Enforcement of fireworks complaints are necessary to address the quality of life concerns of
our residents. The state law prohibits use on public property, school property, church property, and private property without the owner’s consent. State laws also prohibit sale of consumer fireworks to minors; use while under the influence; and specify criminal charges for use resulting in property damage, injury, or death.
It is important to note that Williamstown Township has one local ordinance prohibiting
fireworks in the Williamstown Township Parks. The absence of any other ordinance means
that consumer fireworks are not restricted to specific holidays nor are the hours of use
restricted. In contrast, it is a Civil Infraction to use fireworks in Meridian Township on any day
other than the day before, day of, and day after a National Holiday. It is also a civil infraction
to use consumer fireworks on specified National Holidays between the hours of 1:00 a.m.
and 8:00 a.m.
STATE LAWS (Applicable in both MERIDIAN and WILLIAMSTOWN TOWNSHIP)
28.4621 – FIREWORKS – Prohibited use of consumer fireworks on public property, school
property, church property or the property of another person without consent. (Civil Infraction)
28.4622 – FIREWORKS – Consumer fireworks sold to a minor – (Civil Infraction –
Misdemeanor for 2nd Offense)
28.4623 - FIREWORKS – Using under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substance
(Misdemeanor)
28.4681B - FIREWORKS – Michigan Fireworks Safety Act Violations causing Property
Damage (Misdemeanor)
28.4681C – FIREWORKS – Michigan Fireworks Safety Act Violations causing Serious
Impairment of Body Function (Felony)
28.4681D – FIREWORKS – Michigan Fireworks Safety Act Violations causing Serious Death
(Felony)
WILLIAMSTOWN TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE (in addition to the State Laws)
3.12 – Fireworks Williamstown Township Parks (Civil Infraction)
No person shall possess, light, or discharge any rocket, firecracker, torpedo, squib or other
fireworks, or any substance of an explosive nature within Park property unless permitted
otherwise by Special Park Use Permit.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP ORDINANCES (in addition to the State Laws)
26-2 Ignition, discharge and use of low-impact fireworks (Civil Infraction)
“Low-impact” fireworks may be used any day of the year, but are prohibited between the
hours of 1:00 to 8:00 a.m. Low impact fireworks include ground and handheld sparkling
devices, as that phrase is defined under APA Standard 87-1, 3.1, 3.1.1.1 to 3.1.1.8, and 3.5.
26-3 Ignition, discharge and use of consumer fireworks (Civil Infraction)
“Consumer fireworks” may be used on the day before, day of, and day after a national
holiday, but are prohibited between the hours of 1:00 to 8:00 a.m. Consumer fireworks
devices that are designed to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, that are
required to comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations
promulgated by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 CFR
Parts 1500 and 1507, and that are listed in APA Standard 87-1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, or 3.5.
"Consumer fireworks" does not include low-impact fireworks.
26-4 Sky lantern (Civil Infraction)
A person shall not ignite, discharge or use a sky lantern.
54-43 Fireworks – Possession in Parks (Misdemeanor)
This ordinance shall not be used until we clarify the penalty. In the meantime, issue a civil
infraction under the state law (28.4621).
22-105 Fireworks – Possession on Land Preservation Property (Civil Infraction)
No person shall fire, discharge, or have in their possession any rocket, firecracker, torpedo,
squib, or other firework or any substance of an explosive nature within land preservation
property. Any violation of this section is a municipal civil infraction punishable as provided by
this Code.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS SPECIFIED:
The following legal public holidays:
(1) New Year's Day, January 1.
(2) Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., the third Monday in January.
(3) Washington's Birthday, the third Monday in February.
(4) Memorial Day, the last Monday in May.
(5) Independence Day, July 4.
(6) Labor Day, the first Monday in September.
(7) Columbus Day, the second Monday in October.
(8) Veteran's Day, November 11.
(9) Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November.
(10) Christmas Day, December 25.
(11) Any other holiday specified in 5 U.S.C. § 6103, as amended.
