Illinois State Fireworks Laws

ILLINOIS CONSUMER FIREWORKS

Specifically permitted fireworks

Novelty items including snakes or glow worms; smoke devices; trick noisemakers known as ‘party poppers’, ‘booby traps’, ‘snappers’, and sparklers.

The state fire marshal maintains a list, updated annually, of approved consumer fireworks.

Specifically prohibited

Handheld fireworks, bottle rockets, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, chasers, buzz bombs, helicopters, missiles, pin wheels, planes.

Display permit

Required. Apply to the local authorities at least 15 days before the display date. Site inspection by the local fire department required for approval of permit.

Insurance

Local authority may require.

Operator

Must successfully pass a Consumer Fireworks Safety training class approved by the State Fire Marshal on an annual basis. The class and test is given by the local authority. Local authority may require criminal background check.

Sale

Once an operator obtains a consumer fireworks display permit from the local authority, the operator may purchase approved consumer fireworks from a registered consumer fireworks retailer.

DISPLAY FIREWORKS

Display permit

Required. Apply to the local authorities at least 15 days before the display date. Site inspection by the local fire department required for approval of permit.

Insurance

Local authority may require not less than $1,000,000. State requires all licensed pyrotechnic operators to be employed by a licensed pyrotechnic distributor who carries $1,000,000 general liability, $1,000,000 products liability and Illinois Workers Compensation insurance.