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Celebrate Holidays with a Bang by Following Local Fireworks Ordinances

fireworks

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

The Michigan Fireworks Safety Act provides that local municipalities must allow fireworks to be lit the day before, the day of, and the day after a national holiday. However, in December 2018, HB 5939 significantly reduced the number of days one can shoot off fireworks from 30 to 12 in Michigan.

State law permits individual municipalities to regulate the use of fireworks within a specific time frame. Using fireworks outside what is specified by local ordinances is illegal, and fines may be imposed.

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 2023’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 (2023) 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 2023 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 2023 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.legal-fireworks-michigan

More Information About Michigan Fireworks

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. Contact us today for a free consultation.