Celebrate Holidays with a Bang by Following Local Fireworks Ordinances
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. A law passed in late 2018 significantly reduced the number of days consumers can use fireworks.
Statewide Michigan Fireworks Law
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 11:00 am and continuing until New Year’s Day at 1:00 am.
- The Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day, from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm.
- The Saturday and Sunday before Labor Day, from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm.
- June 29, July 1, July 2, July 3, and July 4 from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm.
- If July 5 from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm, 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. For example, a number of cities allow fireworks from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm on Juneteenth (June 19th), including East Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo.
Local Fireworks Ordinances
City of Lansing Fireworks Ordinances
The City of Lansing fireworks ordinance only allows the discharge of consumer fireworks on certain days of the year. 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 $1000 fine. The upcoming season fireworks allowable times are as follows:
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 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (ordinance permits fireworks on July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, between 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.)
Labor Day
The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
New Years
December 31 from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. 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). This means 2024’s summer fireworks times are as follows:
Memorial Day
The Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Juneteenth
Monday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
4th of July
June 29 to July 4 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (ordinance permits fireworks on July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, between 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.)
Labor Day
The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
New Years
December 31 from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. 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
Under the City of Grand Rapids fireworks ordinance, those within city limits may light fireworks this year (2024) during the following times and dates:
Memorial Day
The Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Juneteenth
Monday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
4th of July
June 29 to July 4 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (ordinance permits fireworks on July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, between 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.)
Labor Day
The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
New Years
December 31 from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. on January 1.
Like East Lansing, Grand Rapids doesn’t allow fireworks on public property, including on school and church property.
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. 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. Failure to obey these local fireworks ordinances results in a civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine not exceeding $1000. The summer 2024 times for allowed fireworks in Kalamazoo are:
Memorial Day
The Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Juneteenth
Saturday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (ordinance permits fireworks on June 19 if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, otherwise on the third Saturday in June)
4th of July
June 29 to July 4 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. (ordinance permits fireworks on July 5 if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, between 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.)
Labor Day
The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
New Years
December 31 from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. 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. The 2024 schedule for permitted firework use is as followed:
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 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Labor Day
The Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
New Years
December 31 from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. on January 1.
Failure to obey Detroit’s firework ordinances may result in the guilty party facing a $1,000 civil fine.
Fireworks Ordinances & Laws: Which Fireworks are Legal in Michigan?
For the purpose of most fireworks ordinances, sparklers and low-impact fireworks (those that don’t explode and/or leave the ground) are permitted. However, always be sure to check the language of your local fireworks ordinance or call your local law enforcement agency to confirm what is allowed.
In addition, be aware that more severe penalties may be imposed if fireworks are discharged while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.