Shooting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve? Here’s what to know in Georgia
For those planning to ring in 2025 with a burst of colorful pyrotechnics, here’s what to know about Georgia’s regulations on fireworks, which are legal to sell for personal use.
How late can you shoot fireworks?
Georgians can celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks until 1 a.m. Wednesday.
On normal days and certain holidays, the explosions must end by midnight, including on the Fourth of July and other holidays. Local ordinances can further restrict regulations as well.
Individuals must be over age 18 to purchase, possess or ignite fireworks. If there is a drought, the governor can forbid the use of any and all fireworks.
What fireworks can you shoot in Georgia?
In 2016, the state legalized the use and sale of fireworks such as firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, sky rockets, sparklers, smoke and punk, fountains, missiles, novelties, crackle and strobe, parachutes, wheels, spinners, sky flyers, display shells and mortars.
Where can you NOT light fireworks in Georgia?
Some private communities may prohibit fireworks, so be sure to check your neighborhood’s rules.
It’s illegal to use fireworks within 100 yards of an electric plant, water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail or prison, helipad, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility. It’s also illegal to set off fireworks within any park, historic site, recreational area or other state property, according to a copy of state fireworks laws from Paulding County.
While Georgia cities cannot ban the use of fireworks, they can extend hours, use zoning to regulate where fireworks are sold and enact taxes on sales, according to the Georgia Municipal Association.
What safety measures should you take?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends these tips to ensure safe use of fireworks.
- Never allow children to play with fireworks, even sparklers. They can burn at up to 2,000 degrees, hot enough to melt certain metals.
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of fire.
- Light fireworks one at a time and always move back quickly after ignition.
- Never relight a malfunctioning firework. Soak it in water and throw it away.
- Never put any part of your body directly over a firework when igniting it.
- Never point fireworks, even sparklers, at anyone.
- Once your fireworks have finished burning, douse them in water before discarding to prevent a trash fire.
How do you keep pets safe during fireworks?
Here are some expert tips the AJC previously reported to keep your pet safe this New Year’s Eve:
- Keep your pet indoors. Experts say keeping your pet indoors is crucial to avoiding injuries and runaways. Make sure screen doors and windows are secure if your pet is alone.
- Create comfortable, safe places. Give your pet a safe spot such as a kennel, closet or the basement. Make sure the doors for these places are open and your pet has direct access.
- Communicate with your veterinarian. If your pet has extreme reactions to loud noises, veterinarians may recommend sedatives to ease their nerves.
- Play music. Having music on can help drown out sounds from outside and calm your pet.
- Have all of their identification in place. Pet owners should have all of their identification in place and make sure their pet’s microchip information is current, experts say.
How does your city regulate fireworks?
In Cobb County, some cities used to ban fireworks entirely. Read more about Cobb County’s city ordinances here.
In DeKalb County, one city extended its fireworks curfew so revelers can even celebrate longer. Read more about DeKalb County’s city ordinances here.
In north Fulton, one city says you need written permission to shoot fireworks in parks. Read more about north Fulton’s city ordinances here.
About the Author
