Where are fireworks legal in Tennessee? What to know before the Fourth of July
For many, Fourth of July means celebrating with the crack, bang and boom of fireworks but many local governments have regulations in place to restrict their public use.
In 2022, Tennessee fire departments responded to 245 fires started by fireworks that caused an estimated $1.13 million in direct property damage. Though the state does not regulate the legality of fireworks, many counties have laws restricting them. Even if a county allows fireworks, municipalities inside of it may not.
Here is what you need to know about the law and fireworks in some of Tennessee's major counties.
What are the laws Tennessee has regarding fireworks?
There are no laws from the state government prohibiting firework use, however, cities have their own laws regarding the legality of fireworks. For the most part, firework use is illegal.
According to the Tennessee government, these are the most prominent laws regarding fireworks:
A 2007 Tennessee law prevents children under 16 from purchasing fireworks. Those who are 16 or 17 must present a photo ID to purchase fireworks.
State legislation passed in 2011 reclassified sky lanterns as special fireworks exclusively for use by individuals with a professional license. The general public cannot purchase or use sky lanterns. If a sky lantern is found in the possession of someone who does not have a professional license issued by the SFMO, the device can be confiscated and destroyed.
A law passed in 2015 prohibits flying a drone (an unmanned aircraft) above an outdoor ticketed event with more than 100 people or in the vicinity of a fireworks display site, without the permission of the event operator.
Are fireworks legal in Davidson County?
All types of fireworks are illegal in Davidson County. Fireworks may be purchased or sold, but they are not allowed to be fired. Persons found in violation could be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Are fireworks legal in Knox County?
Knox County does not allow the use of fireworks without a permit from the state and approval of the county. In Knoxville, the use of fireworks is illegal without a permit from the city, which can be obtained at knoxvilletn.gov. Failure to secure a permit before setting off fireworks could result in a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can carry a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.
Are fireworks legal in Shelby County?
Shelby County does allow the use of Class C fireworks. It is legal to shoot fireworks in Memphis, Bartlett, Arlington and unincorporated Shelby County. Collierville, Millington, Lakeland, Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake and Hernando, generally prohibit firework usage. Germantown users could see a much steeper fine of $500.
Are fireworks legal in Williamson County?
There are no noise ordinances in Williamson County, therefore, it is left to the municipalities to decide whether fireworks are legal or not.
Brentwood allows the purchasing and selling of fireworks, but they are not allowed to be shot off. Fairview allows Class C fireworks to be fired on July 3, 4 and 5 from noon to 11 p.m. on private property. Franklin has a zero tolerance policy for any kind of firework including sparklers.
What are Class C fireworks?
Class C fireworks contain less than 1/4 grain of explosive mixture. Sparklers, spinners, fire crackers, Roman candles and bottle rockets are all considered Class C fireworks. Cherry bombs and M-80s are illegal to use without a permit.
Class A explosives included high explosives such as dynamite, TNT, blasting caps, packages of flash powder, bulk packages of black powder and blasting agents such as ANFO and other slurry types of explosives. Class B explosives included low explosives such as "display fireworks" which were the larger and more powerful fireworks used at most public displays.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Are fireworks legal in Tennessee? What to know before Fourth of July