What Cities are Opting Out of the New Fireworks Law in Ohio?
As of July 1, 2022, Ohioans can legally set off consumer-grade fireworks on private property. The law specifies that fireworks only be set off on certain holidays, about 20 days a year. The permitted days include:
- New Year’s Eve
- New Year’s Day
- Chinese New Year
- Diwali
- Cinco de Mayo
- Juneteenth
- Memorial Day weekend
- Labor Day weekend
- July 3, 4, 5, and the three-day weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) surrounding July 4.
Using fireworks under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances is prohibited—anyone who violates this is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor.
WHICH CITIES ARE OPTING OUT OF THE NEW LAW?
If you are cited for discharging fireworks in the following cities, it is a first-degree misdemeanor*:
- Beavercreek
- Bedford
- Brecksville
- Brook Park
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dayton
- Dublin
- Fairborn
- Germantown
- Kettering
- Lakewood
- Mentor (possession is legal, discharge is illegal)
- North Royalton
- Oakwood
- Parma
- Toledo (likely to opt out)
- Upper Arlington
- Worthington
*The following list will be updated pending the signing of new legislation.
SAFETY TIPS FOR USING LEGAL FIREWORKS
If you live in an area where it’s legal to use consumer-grade fireworks, follow these tips from the National Safety Council to keep you and your family safe:
- Don’t let younger children use fireworks
- Supervise older children while they use fireworks
- Avoid using fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. While dangerous to do, it’s also illegal
- Make sure only to use fireworks away from any people, animals, houses, and flammable material
- Don’t aim or point fireworks in the direction of objects or people
- Maintain a safe distance after igniting
- Keep lit fireworks out of containers
- Never handle or try to re-light malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak used and unused fireworks in water before throwing away
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to douse malfunctioning fireworks or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
