Fireworks are almost always associated with 4th of July celebrations. There is nothing quite like watching beautiful fireworks light up the night sky, and the 4th of July is one of the most popular times for fireworks displays.
While many businesses and cities across America put on huge fireworks displays on this national holiday, some individuals choose to shoot their own fireworks as well. However, it is illegal to shoot fireworks in many places without the proper permits.
If you are planning to shoot fireworks in Peoria, first make sure you know the laws about which fireworks are permitted in the city. Dive into all the details below to learn more about the law on fireworks in Peoria, Illinois.
Are Fireworks Legal in Peoria?
Some types of fireworks are legal in the city of Peoria. In fact, the city has specified several types of fireworks that are approved and may be enjoyed on the 4th of July. The fireworks that are approved inside the city are considered novelty items, and they include:
- Party poppers: Small plastic or paper items that typically have a string protruding from the device. When the string is pulled, the device produces a small pop and sends paper streamers into the air.
- Snappers: Small, paper-wrapped items with very small amounts of explosive material. When dropped onto a hard surface, such as concrete, they produce a small report or bang.
- Toy caps: Plastic or paper caps for toy guns that create a small bang when used.
- Snakes or Grow Worms: Pressed pellets that contain a small amount of pyrotechnic that “grow” ash when they burn, thus resembling a snake.
- Smoke-generating devices: Small devices, sometimes known as smoke bombs, emit colored smoke when they burn. These devices are generally round, but they may come in other shapes as well.
- Sparklers: Thin, handheld pieces of metal covered in chemicals that produce sparkles and different colors of light as they burn.
As you can see, larger fireworks that may traditionally be seen on the 4th of July are not on the approved list for the city of Peoria.
What Types of Fireworks Are Prohibited in Peoria?
All other types of fireworks not on the approved list are prohibited in Peoria. It is impossible for the city to list every type of firework that may be prohibited within the city. However, some of the items included on the list of prohibited items include:
- Roman candles
- Bottle rockets
- Chasers
- Any type of firecracker
- Handheld fireworks
- Helicopters
- Missiles
- Buzz bombs
- Pinwheels
- Sky lanterns
- Planes
- Any ground item not included on the approved list
As you can see, the list of prohibited items is quite long. If you want to enjoy any of these types of fireworks, you will need to do so outside of Peoria in a location that allows these types of fireworks.
Penalties for Using Prohibited Fireworks
Can you get in trouble for shooting fireworks in Peoria, IL? The answer is yes! In fact, anyone violating the fireworks rules can be issued a citation that includes a fine of $250. So, you could be out quite a bit of money if you decide to shoot prohibited fireworks in Peoria.
Additionally, if you cause someone to be injured or you cause property damage, you could be held responsible for those damages in civil court. Victims who suffer an injury because of your negligence could recover both economic damages and non-economic damages from you. Depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries, those damages could be thousands of dollars.
Stay Safe and Have Fun
The best thing you can do is follow the rules and only use fireworks that are on the approved list. You can still use these items and have an enjoyable 4th of July. However, if you want to see larger fireworks, try to look for events nearby that will be having a fireworks show. This way, you can still enjoy your fireworks while following the rules and avoiding penalties and citations.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers At Joel E. Brown, P.C. in Peoria, IL for Assistance Today
If you have questions or are injured due to the improper use of fireworks, contact Joel E. Brown, P.C. We offer a free consultation with a Peoria personal injury lawyer.
We are conveniently located in Peoria and proudly serve Peoria County, IL, and the neighboring communities.
Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main Street Suite 1300, Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 673 4357
Available 24/7