02 July

State and Local Fireworks Ordinances in Michigan | LAN | GRR

Fireworks are often a favorite part of summertime gatherings. However, while fireworks may be fun to watch, they can also be dangerous and cause serious injuries, such as burn injuries and amputation injuries.

In fact, since Michigan legalized the use of more powerful consumer-grade fireworks in 2012, the number of people visiting emergency rooms because of fireworks injuries has more than doubled.

To keep Michigan residents safe, the use of fireworks is regulated by both state law and local fireworks ordinances.

When Are Fireworks Legal in Michigan?

Fireworks are legal in Michigan during certain holiday periods, including June 29 through July 4, and July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, generally between 11:00am and 11:45pm.

They are also permitted during Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend, and New Year’s Eve. Outside of these dates, local governments may restrict fireworks use.

Fireworks cannot be used on public property or without permission on private property.

Michigan Fireworks Laws at a Glance

Dates: June 29 – July 4 (plus July 5 if applicable)
Hours: 11:00am – 11:45pm
Public property: Not allowed
Private property: Permission required
Possible fines: Up to $1,000

Statewide Michigan Fireworks Law

Michigan fireworks laws are set at the state level, but how they are applied depends heavily on local ordinances and enforcement.

Michigan has a state law (statute) that forbids people from using fireworks on public property, school property, church property or the property of another person without first obtaining express permission from the property owner. A violation is a civil infraction and can result in a fine of up to $500.

Additionally, Michigan law defers the dates and times fireworks will be allowed to local governments (cities and townships). In other words, cities and townships can and do adopt local ordinances that define when people can use what are referred to as “consumer fireworks.”

The law states that when cities and townships set limitations on dates and times fireworks can be used, they can’t prohibit consumer fireworks from being used at the following times:

New Year’s Eve beginning at 11:00am and continuing until New Year’s Day at 1:00am.
The Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day, from 11:00am – 11:45pm.
The Saturday and Sunday before Labor Day, from 11:00am – 11:45pm.
June 29, July 1, July 2, July 3, and July 4 from 11:00am – 11:45pm.
July 5 from 11:00am – 11:45pm, but only if it falls on a Friday or Saturday.

Again, these are the dates and times that cities and townships must allow people to use consumer fireworks. Cities and townships can allow the use of fireworks on additional days.

Local Fireworks Ordinances

City of Lansing Fireworks Ordinances

The City of Lansing follows Michigan’s holiday windows but strictly enforces where and how fireworks can be used.

Additionally, consumer fireworks can only be discharged on personal property, not on public streets, sidewalks, school property, church property, or another individual’s property without permission.

Violating the Lansing fireworks ordinance may result in up to a $1,000 fine.

Memorial Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend from 11:00am – 11:45pm

4^th of July: June 29 to July 4 from 11:00am – 11:45pm (ordinance permits fireworks on July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, between 11:00am – 11:45pm)

Labor Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend from 11:00am – 11:45pm

New Years: December 31 from 11:00am – 1:00am on January 1.

East Lansing Fireworks Ordinances

According to the East Lansing City Code, consumer fireworks can only be discharged on personal property, not on public streets, sidewalks, school property, church property, or another individual’s property without permission.

Failing to obey the local fireworks ordinance is a civil infraction, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 (increased from the previous fine of $500 in 2018).

Memorial Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, 11:00am – 11:45pm.

Juneteenth: June 19, 11:00am – 11:45pm

4^th of July: June 29 to July 4, 11:00am – 11:45pm (ordinance permits fireworks on July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, 11:00am – 11:45pm)

Labor Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend, 11:00am – 11:45pm.

New Years: December 31 from 11:00am – 1:00am on January 1.

Furthermore, in East Lansing, you may discharge consumer fireworks only on personal property. You cannot discharge fireworks on public streets, sidewalks, school property, church property, or another individual’s property without permission.

Grand Rapids Fireworks Ordinances

In Grand Rapids, fireworks are allowed during state-protected periods but are closely enforced, especially in residential neighborhoods.

Memorial Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, 11:00am – 11:45pm.

Juneteenth: June 19, 11:00am – 11:45pm.

4^th of July: June 29 to July 4 11:00am – 11:45pm (ordinance permits fireworks on July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, 11:00am – 11:45pm)

Labor Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend, 11:00am – 11:45pm.

New Years: December 31 from 11:00am – 1:00am on January 1.

Like East Lansing, Grand Rapids doesn’t allow fireworks on public property, including on school and church property.

Ann Arbor Fireworks Ordinances

In Ann Arbor, fireworks use generally follows Michigan’s state law, but local rules still restrict where fireworks can be used and how they are enforced.

Consumer fireworks may only be discharged on personal property, not on public streets, sidewalks, school property, church property, or another individual’s property without permission.

Violating local fireworks ordinances may result in fines, particularly when complaints involve noise, late-night use, or safety concerns.

Memorial Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.

4th of July: June 29 to July 4 from 11am to 11:45pm. (Ordinance permits fireworks on July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, between 11:00am and 11:45pm)

Labor Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend from 11:00am to 11:45pm.

New Year’s: December 31 from 11:00am until 1:00am on January 1.

Kalamazoo Fireworks Ordinances

Within Kalamazoo’s ordinances, fireworks use is permitted on the day preceding, the day of, or the day after a national holiday.

Failure to obey these local fireworks ordinances results in a civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine not exceeding $1,000.

Memorial Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, 11:00am – 11:45pm.

Juneteenth: Saturday, June 20, 11:00am – 11:45pm (ordinance permits fireworks on June 19 if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, otherwise on the third Saturday in June)

4^th of July: June 29 to July 4, 11:00am – 11:45pm (ordinance permits fireworks on July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, 11:00am – 11:45pm)

Labor Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend, 11:00am – 11:45pm.

New Years: December 31 from 11:00am until 1:00am on January 1.

Detroit Fireworks Ordinances

Detroit’s local firework ordinances are also limited to 12 days a year. Firework ordinances in Detroit are stricter than other local ordinances.

Memorial Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, 11:00am – 11:45pm.

4^th of July: June 29 to July 4, 11:00am – 11:45pm (ordinance permits fireworks on July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, 11:00am – 11:45pm)

Labor Day: The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend, 11:00am – 11:45pm)

New Years: December 31 from 11:00am until 1:00am on January 1.

Failure to obey Detroit’s firework ordinances may result in the guilty party facing a $1,000 civil fine.

Common Fireworks Violations in Michigan

Across Lansing, Grand Rapids, and other Michigan communities, the same types of violations regularly lead to fines:

Using fireworks on public property (streets, sidewalks, parks)
Lighting fireworks outside legal dates or times
Late-night use beyond permitted hours
Complaints from neighbors about noise or safety
Unsafe use near homes, vehicles, or people

Many of these violations are preventable but are frequently enforced during peak holiday periods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fireworks Laws in Michigan

Q. When can you legally light fireworks in Michigan?
A. Consumer fireworks are generally allowed from June 29 through July 4, and July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, between 11:00am and 11:45pm.

Q. Are fireworks allowed on streets or sidewalks in Michigan?
A. No. Fireworks cannot be used on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, school property, or church property.

Q. What is the fine for illegal fireworks use in Michigan?
A. Violations can result in fines of up to $1,000 per violation, depending on the city and circumstances.

If you or a loved one has been hurt while setting off or watching fireworks, our Lansing personal injury lawyers and Grand Rapids personal injury attorneys are here to answer your questions.

Additional Fireworks Information:

Attorney Tom Sinas on Fox 17 – Know The Law