Arizona’s Fireworks Regulations: A.R.S. 36-1606
The State of Arizona treats fireworks laws and regulations with the utmost concern. Regulations are set by both the state as well as cities and municipalities.
As defined by A.R.S. 36-1606, the regulation, sale, and use of permissible consumer fireworks has the following regulations:
Fireworks in Arizona Counties with a Population of Over 500,000 People
Counties that fall into this category may regulate the sale of permissible consumer fireworks.
Permissible fireworks are allowed to be sold:
- From April 25th through May 6th
- From May 20th to July 6th
- From December 10th through January 3rd
- Two days before the first day of Diwali through the third day of Diwali
Counties are permitted to prohibit fireworks sales on days other than those listed above.
Individuals under the age of sixteen are not allowed to be sold fireworks.
Permissible fireworks are allowed to be used:
- From May 4th through May 6th
- From June 24th through July 6th
- From December 26th through January 4th
- The second and third days of Diwali
Counties are permitted to prohibit the use of fireworks on days other than those listed above.
Counties may prohibit fireworks use, even on permissible use days, within a one-mile radius of any border of certain preservation lands, or any municipal or county mountain preserve, desert park, regional park, designated conservation area, national forest, or wilderness area.
Permissible fireworks are prohibited from being used, even on permissible use days, between the hours of 11:00pm and 8:00am, except:
- Between the hours of 11:00pm on December 31st through 1:00am on January 1st.
- Between the hours of 11:00pm on July 4th through 1:00am on July 5th.
Fireworks in Arizona Counties with a Population of Under 500,000 People
Counties that fall into this category may regulate the sale of permissible consumer fireworks.
Permissible fireworks are only allowed to be sold on the following days as long as a state or federal agency has not implemented a stage one or higher fire restriction:
- From May 20th through July 6th
- From December 10th through January 3rd
Individuals under the age of sixteen are not allowed to be sold fireworks.
Permissible fireworks may be used on the following days as long as a state or federal agency has not implemented a stage one or higher fire restriction:
- From June 24th through July 6th
- From December 26th through January 4th
Firework use may be prohibited by the county, even on permissible use days, within a one-mile radius of any border of certain preservation lands, or any municipal or county mountain preserve, desert park, regional park, designated conservation area, national forest, or wilderness area.
Permissible fireworks are prohibited from being used, even on permissible use days, between the hours of 11:00pm and 8:00am, except:
- Between the hours of 11:00pm on December 31st through 1:00am on January 1st.
- Between the hours of 11:00pm on July 4th through 1:00am on July 5th.
What are Permissible Consumer Fireworks?
Permissible fireworks, which are regulated by local fire departments, are:
- Ground or handheld sparklers
- Cylindrical fountains
- Cone fountains
- Illuminating torches
- Wheels
- Ground spinners
- Flitter sparklers
- Toy smoke devices
- Wire sparklers or dipped sticks
- Snappers/pop-its
- Party poppers
- Glow worms
The City of Phoenix provides a chart of the type of fireworks for easy visual reference.
Penalties for Fireworks Violations
Violations of Arizona’s firework laws can result in penalties as laid out by each city or municipality in which the violation occurs. Examples include:
The City of Phoenix treats violations as class 1 misdemeanors with a $1000 fine.
Violations in the City of Mesa can result in civil penalties with $500 fines or class 1 misdemeanors that can result incarceration of up to six months.
The City of Scottsdale may choose to charge offenders with civil offenses but may also charge offenders with class 3 misdemeanors that come with fines of at least $275.
Anyone planning to purchase, sell, or use fireworks should be sure to research the most up-to-date firework regulations in their area, with the local fire department being a recommended resource.
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