Planning to light up the sky this Independence Day? In Alabama, your ability to legally enjoy fireworks depends largely on where you live.

While fireworks are generally illegal within incorporated towns and cities across the state, they remain legal in most unincorporated areas. However, even in areas where fireworks are permitted, specific ordinances may restrict when they can be used or limit noise levels.

The local police or sheriff’s office in your area can provide you with the specific laws regarding fireworks.

What’s legal in Alabama?

Class C consumer fireworks are permitted for use in Alabama. Those generally permitted include:

• Bottle Rockets
• Roman Candles
• Firecrackers
• Sparklers
• Smoke Bombs
• Wheels and Spinners

Ground salute fireworks containing more than two-grains of explosives or fireworks purchased via mail are prohibited.

Federal law continues to ban Cherry Bombs, Silver Salutes, and M-80s since 1966 due to the large amounts of explosives contained in the fireworks.

Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult to purchase fireworks. It is also illegal under state law to sell fireworks to anyone who appears intoxicated or unable to handle fireworks responsibly.

The sale of fireworks from tents, cars, or car-pulled trailers is illegal in Alabama. Mobile homes can be used as sales locations as long as they measure at least 8 feet wide by 32 feet long and have had their wheels removed.

Legal fireworks can only be sold during two specific seasons: from June 20 to July 10 and from December 15 to January 2 each year.