Pennsylvania and York Township Fireworks Laws

Summary

Summary of York Township and PA fireworks laws

With Independence Day approaching, it is important for residents and visitors to know, understand and abide by Pennsylvania’s and York Township’s Fireworks Laws.

The laws, which generally permits use of Consumer Fireworks that were previously prohibited, has provisions that make it virtually impossible to legally discharge fireworks in York Township.

•      They cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without express permission of the property owner.

•      They cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.

•      They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle, building or person.

•      They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a structure, whether or not a person is actually present.

•      They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.

•      They cannot be discharged from any property for more than: (1) one hour, measured on a cumulative basis, in any given twenty-four hour period; and (2) three hours, measured on a cumulative basis, in any given ten day period. 

•      They cannot be discharged during any period in which a Burn Ban has been declared within the Township.

If you are in a position to legally discharge fireworks, please be mindful of the following things in order to be a considerate neighbor:

•      The time of day and neighbors who may have small children.

•      Pets who may be terrified by a long, sustained fireworks display.

•      Wind and weather conditions blowing your aerial rockets into neighbors yards.

If you discharge a firework and cause a fire, YOU can be held criminally liable (responsible) for the damage and any injury caused. Numerous occasions of structural fires and damage to private property occurred in the Central Pennsylvania region due to careless and illegal use of fireworks in 2020.

Due to the increase in illegal use and complaints, this law will be strictly enforced and citations will be issued for violations of the law.

If you have additional questions on the law, you can visit the Pennsylvania State Police website which further explains the law and provides some additional information.

See the Pennsylvania State Police: https://www.psp.pa.gov/public-safety/pages/fireworks-safety.aspx