What Are Louisiana’s Fireworks Laws?
Lafayette, Louisiana (KMDL) - The 4th of July is all about celebrating America's independence, BBQ, time with family and friends, and of course fireworks.
Before you head out to the nearest fireworks stand near you, let's take a look Louisiana's fireworks laws so you don't wind up having a situation with neighbors or police.
Can I Go To Jail For Breaking Louisiana's Fireworks Laws?
If you're thinking all that can happen if you break Louisiana or Parish fireworks laws is a slap on the wrist or a ticket, think again.
You can be arrested in some cases for violating fireworks laws.
As far Louisiana State-wide fireworks laws, you can indeed be fined $1,000, imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to two years, or both.
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Also firing fireworks on public property is often against the law and can lead to fines, arrest, or both.
Lighting and launching fireworks at moving vehicles is also a big no no. If you do this, you can face a $500 fine, jail time of up to six months, or both according to dudleydebosier.com.
Firing fireworks within 1000 feet of a hospital is also illegal. The fine is only $1 but you can go to jail for 24 hours.
What Fireworks Are Legal In Louisiana?
When it comes to what is and isn't legal in Louisiana when it comes to fireworks, it can be tricky because what's allowed and what isn't varies from Parish to Parish.
Louisiana allows residents to own and use Class C fireworks.
OK, so what are Class C fireworks?
From dudleydebosier.com -
Fountains
Sparklers
Spinners and wheels
Mines and shells
Roman candles
Bottle rockets and sky rockets
Firecrackers
Fireworks prohibited by Louisiana per legis.ls.gov are:
Roman candles larger than 10 balls
Fireworks with casings longer than 1.5 inches or bigger than ¼ inch
Cherry bombs
Sky rockets larger than 6 oz.
Tubular salutes and two-inch American-made salutes
Aerial bombs, repeating bombs, and torpedoes larger than ⅜ inch
As I mentioned above, other than the Louisiana-wide fireworks laws, local laws can and do vary Parish to Parish.
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However, fireworks are allowed in rural and unincorporated areas of Lafayette Parish, but only during specific times.
What Time Can I Pop Fireworks In Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the general rule is that fireworks can be used between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. for the 4th of July.
The times for New Year's Eve extends the time to 1 a.m.
Read more at dudleydebosier.com and lafayettela.gov.