Fireworks are part of how many Texans celebrate the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, but state law limits when they can be sold, and many cities ban them outright. Fireworks also send thousands of people to emergency rooms across the country every year. Here is what you need to know before you light a fuse in North Texas.
When Fireworks Can Be Sold in Texas
Under Texas Occupations Code § 2154.202, retail fireworks sales are allowed statewide during two periods:
- Fourth of July: June 24 through midnight on July 4
- New Year’s: December 20 through midnight on January 1
A county’s commissioners court may also approve sales in that county during these additional periods:
- Texas Independence Day: February 25 through midnight on March 2
- San Jacinto Day: April 16 through midnight on April 21
- Memorial Day: the Wednesday before the last Monday in May through midnight on Memorial Day
- Diwali: five days before the first day of Diwali through midnight on its last day
Counties within 100 miles of the Texas-Mexico border may also approve sales from May 1 through May 5. Fireworks may not be sold to children under 16.
Where You Can Use Fireworks
Buying fireworks legally does not mean you can set them off anywhere. State law lets cities and counties ban or further restrict fireworks, and most large North Texas cities prohibit them within city limits. For example:
- Dallas prohibits possessing or using fireworks inside city limits, with fines of up to $2,000.
- Mesquite issues citations for possessing or discharging fireworks in the city and seizes them.
- Fort Worth bans fireworks within city limits and within 5,000 feet of them.
Richardson, Heath and many other suburbs have their own restrictions too. Even in unincorporated areas where fireworks are allowed, counties can restrict certain fireworks during drought conditions. State law also prohibits setting off fireworks within 600 feet of a church, school or hospital without written permission. Always check your city’s and county’s current rules before celebrating. The safest choice is a professional public fireworks show.
Texas Fireworks FAQs
How old do you have to be to buy fireworks in Texas?
State law prohibits selling fireworks to anyone under 16. Some sellers set a higher minimum age.
What holidays can you buy fireworks in Texas?
The Fourth of July and New Year’s statewide, plus Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, Memorial Day and Diwali in counties that approve those periods.
How late can you shoot fireworks in Texas?
State law does not set a statewide curfew. Where fireworks are allowed, counties and cities may set hours, and local noise ordinances still apply. Inside most DFW city limits, fireworks are not allowed at any hour.
Fireworks Safety Tips
- Never let young children handle fireworks, including sparklers, which burn hot enough to melt some metals.
- Light one item at a time, then move away quickly.
- Never try to relight or pick up a firework that did not go off. Soak duds in water.
- Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby, and never point fireworks at people, homes or dry grass.
- Do not use fireworks while drinking, and do not buy or store more than you plan to use.
Injured by Fireworks? You May Have a Claim
Fireworks injuries, especially burns, eye injuries and hand injuries, can be life-altering. Depending on what happened, you may have a claim against:
- The person who set off the fireworks carelessly or illegally
- A property owner or event host who allowed dangerous use on their property
- A manufacturer or seller if a defective firework exploded early, tipped over or misfired. Learn more about defective product claims
Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies sometimes cover these injuries. If a loved one was killed, our wrongful death lawyers can explain your family’s options.
Fielding Law offers free consultations from our offices in Mesquite, Heath and Richardson. Call (877) 880-4090 or contact us online to talk with a personal injury lawyer about your case.
