Is It Legal to Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Fireworks in Indiana?
Many Hoosiers across the state will ring in the new year with family and friends. Those celebrations may take place in a bar or someone's home, and it's a sure bet that somewhere you are will have a television playing any of the big city New Year's Eve countdowns.
A lot of those televised countdowns include spectacular fireworks displays to ring in the new year as the clock strikes midnight. But, what about those of us here at home in Indiana? Are we allowed to ring in the new year with a fireworks display of our own?
Indiana Fireworks Laws for New Year's Eve
If you feel the urge to light up the night sky, we've got some good news for you. The state of Indiana says you can, but there are some things you need to know first.
Indiana State Laws for Fireworks
According to the Indiana State Police, there are some rules and regulations regarding New Year's Eve fireworks. It's worth noting that on a state level, you can set off fireworks any day of the year, as long as it is within certain time parameters.
Fireworks may be discharged only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. any day except on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and New Years' Eve when the times are 9:00 a.m. to midnight. It is important to check with local officials, as local ordinances may restrict the use of fireworks.
Don't Forget to Check Local Ordinances
The second thing to note, though is that while it is perfectly legal on a state level, you will want to check both city and county ordinances for where you live. Those rules may be different and will supersede the state guidelines.
Additional Information to Know About Indiana Fireworks Laws
There are a few other things you do need to know when it comes to the fireworks laws here in Indiana.
- Fireworks may only be purchased by those over the age of 18.
- Someone over 18 must be present when anyone under the age of 18 is using or possessing fireworks.
- You can only use fireworks on your own property, the property of someone who has granted you permission to set off fireworks, or a place designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal as a location suitable for the discharge of fireworks.
What Happens If You Break Indiana's Fireworks Laws?
If you violate the law, you can face Class C charges, according to Indiana State Police. If you cause property damage, those charges get bumped to a Class A misdemeanor. Likewise, if someone is injured or dies, those charges increase to a Level 6 felony for bodily injury, or a Level 5 felony in the event of death.
So while it is technically, legal to set off fireworks for New Year's Eve in Indiana, it may be best just to watch them on the TV afterall.
[Source: Indiana State Police]
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