What You Need to Know So You Don’t Get Fined For Fireworks in Illinois

Fourth of July is around the corner, and while fireworks light up the night sky, lighting them yourself is never a good idea, especially in Illinois.

Illinois' Ban on Fireworks

Let's put the bad news out there first; as most people know, Illinois has a strict law that bans most consumer fireworks. Here's a refresher, just in case you need it.

Illinois' Pyrotechnic Use Act;

prohibits residents from buying and using fireworks other than novelty fireworks such as sparklers and smoke bombs.

But...what exactly happens if you get caught with them?

My husband may or may not have made the quick jaunt across Illinois' northern border to buy fireworks that would get his busted at home a time or two, and it honestly drives me nuts. Do I enjoy the show he may or may not have put on? Of course! Fireworks are pretty, BUT they are expensive to buy and not worth risking bodily harm and the fine you will get if caught by the cops.

Penalties For Getting Caught With Illegal Fireworks in Illinois

Penalties for shooting off illegal fireworks in Illinois can vary depending on the severity  and the local ordinances for where you live.

Illinoispolicy.org says Rockford police will issue a $750 fine to people shooting off illegal pyrotechnics, but the fine in other cities and counties could be as high as $2,500!

If that possible hit to your wallet isn't enough to stop you from lighting of a bottle rocket, perhaps the fact that the offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor that WILL land you a criminal record.

Is that 30 seconds of 'ooh and ahh' worth not getting a job or failing a background check? I think not!

Here's the long and short of the story; Save your money, stay safe, and just watch the professionals do the fireworks show that nearly every city and town in Illinois puts on instead. Please?

READ MORE: 2024 Fireworks Shows in the Rockford Area