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Fireworks Regulations

Fireworks Are Illegal in The State of Maine

It is the duty of the Investigations division of the State Fire Marshal's Office to enforce the following legislation.

"Fireworks" means any combustible or explosive composition or substance; any combination of such compositions or substances; or any other article which was prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, including blank cartridges or toy cannons in which explosives are used, they type of balloon which requires fire underneath to propel it, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, bombs, rockets, wheels, colored fires, fountains, mines, serpents, or other fireworks of like construction; any fireworks containing any explosive substance or flammable compound; or any other device containing any explosive substance or flammable compound.

Since fireworks are illegal in the State of Maine, no person may possess or have under his or her control any form of fireworks, unless that person has been issued a permit pursuant to section 227. In addition, no person may sell fireworks, or possess fireworks with the intent to sell or offer for sale, with the exception to this law being paper and plastic caps and sparklers.

State of Maine Laws for the Fire Service, 1997 edition

Fireworks, definition: Explosive or flammable compound or any combustible or explosive composition or substance, which was prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect.

Examples of Fireworks include the following: Firecrackers; torpedoes; skyrockets; roman candles; bombs; wheels; rockets; fountains; mines; serpents; snap-n-pops; or other fireworks of like construction.

Exceptions: Sparklers, including morning glories, paper and plastic caps.

Title 8, Section 222 A person may not possess or have under that person’s control fireworks, unless they have a permit.

Title 8, Section 223 No person may sell or possess fireworks.

Title 8, Section 224 No person may store fireworks, except as permitted by the Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Title 8, Section 225 No person may transport fireworks, except as permitted by the Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Title 8, Section 226 No person may engage in the business of a fireworks display without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Title 8, Section 227 Any person, municipality or association, desiring to discharge fireworks, must apply to the Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal’s Office for a permit to discharge at least ten days in advance of the display.

Criminal Penalties

  • For possession with the intent to sell or offer for sale it is a:
    • Class B crime, if value exceeds $5,000.
    • Class C crime, if value exceeds $1,000.
    • Class D crime, if a person violates Title 8, Section 227 for failing to obtain a permit.
    • Class D crime, if value is $1,000 or less.
  • For simple possession without the intent to sell or offer for sale it is a:
    • Class E crime, if value possessed exceeds $100.00
    • Class E crime, if conducting the display in violation of the permit.
    • Civil Violation for possession of fireworks where value does not exceed $100.

Please remember: "Fireworks are Illegal in the State of Maine!"

If you have any questions, please contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (207) 287-3473.

Federal and State Regulations

Fireworks Injuries