July 4 is around the corner. With it comes the expectation that fireworks will be part of the celebration. For those taking part, it is advisable to be aware of recent changes in the law pertaining to fireworks.
The new law, House Bill 419, signed by Gov. Nathan Deal, comes with a few changes that take effect on July 1.
Above, nighttime display of fireworks. Photo/Shutterstock.
Fireworks are permitted on any day beginning at 10 a.m. and extending until 11:59 p.m., unless prohibited by a county or city ordinance. The previous cutoff time was 9 p.m.
Other changes permit fireworks between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on the last Saturday and Sunday of May, July 3 and 4, the first Monday in September and Dec. 31. And on Jan. 1, the law permits fireworks from midnight until 1 a.m.
Fireworks that can be legally purchased in Georgia include: Bottle rockets, sky rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, sparklers, smoke and punk, fountains, missiles, novelties, crackle and strobe, parachutes, wheels and spinners, sky flyers, display shells, and aerial items (cakes).
Fireworks prohibitions include:
• Usage within 100 yards of an electric plant, water treatment plant or a facility engaged in the sale of flammable liquids or gases (like a gas station or convenience store);
• Usage within 100 yards of an electric substation or jail or prison;
• Usage within 100 yards of a hospital, nursing home or healthcare facility;
• Usage by any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and
• Usage within any park, historic site or recreational area owned by a governing authority without issuance of special use permit that cannot exceed $100.
The legislation prohibits the sale of fireworks to any persons under 18 years of age and would require identification to be shown prior to sale. It also prohibits the use of fireworks near any public transportation routes such as roads, highways and railroads.
For a look at the new law visit https://gov.georgia.gov/sites/gov.georgia.gov/files/related_files/document/HB%20419%202018.pdf.
