Firework season is here and that means loud booms and bright colors will punctuate the night in neighborhoods across Central Indiana.
If you plan on shooting off a few fireworks yourself this summer, be sure to understand what rules and regulations affect you. Indiana has laws about their use, and so do most local municipalities. Here's what you need to know.
Summer 2025:If it's hot outside, it's even hotter in your vehicle. Safety tips for extreme heat
Are fireworks legal in Indiana for Fourth of July?
Yes, you can shoot off fireworks in Indiana so long as you follow these basic state laws:
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
- You must be an adult, 18 or older, to buy fireworks in Indiana.
- Adults, 18 or older, must be present when children use or possess fireworks.
- You can use fireworks only on your own property, the property of someone who has granted you permission to use fireworks, or a place designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal for the discharge of consumer fireworks.
- Fireworks are allowed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. any day except on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and New Year's Eve unless a local ordinance says otherwise.
Breaking any of these laws in the Hoosier state carries fines and penalties that range from misdemeanors to felonies, which include jail time.
What are the legal hours for fireworks in Indiana near July 4th?
The times on the following dates are protected in Indiana for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by local ordinance:
- June 29-July 3: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset
- July 4: from 10 a.m. to midnight
- July 5-9: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset
- Dec. 31: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Most municipalities in Central Indiana follow the guidelines listed above, which can viewed in greater detail at each city's website.
Marion County-Indianapolis and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Marion Countyfrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 28-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Brownsburgand fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Brownsburgfrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Note: In Brownsburg, fireworks must land on the property from which they were used, ignited, or discharged or upon the property from which permission was obtained. No person may use, ignite, or discharge fireworks of any kind on any public street.
Fireworks regulations:How late is too late? 🧨 Here are the rules in Indiana, and how to stay safe
Carmel and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Carmelfrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Cicero and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Cicerofrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Note: In Cicero, the use or discharge of fireworks which causes serious annoyance or disturbance to a neighborhood or the residents therein by loud, frequent, or habitual noise is declared to be a nuisance. It is unlawful for any person to conduct such activities, and the town may seek injunctive relief in a court of law to prevent such activities in addition to seeking a monetary penalty.
Fishers and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Fishersfrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Franklin and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Franklinfrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Things to do:Holiday World invades Indiana skies with 1st audience-participation drone show, fireworks
Greenfield and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Greenfieldfrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset on June 24-July 3 andJuly 5-11, but no later than 11 p.m.They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Greenwood and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Greenwoodfrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset on June 24-July 3 andJuly 5-11. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
McCordsville and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in McCordsvillefrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
New Whiteland and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in New Whitelandfrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Noblesville and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Noblesvillefrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Pittsboro and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Pittsboroall year long from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Other restrictions limitfireworks from 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Plainfield and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Plainfieldfrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. They are also permitted from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Note: Fireworks from Plainfield citizens can only be used on property owned or leased by the citizen. You can't shoot off fireworks on public property unless it's approved of in advance.
Shelbyville and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Shelbyvillefrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. They are also permitted from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Westfield and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed in Westfieldfrom 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset on Memorial Day weekend, June 29-July 3, July 5-9 and Labor Day weekend. They are permissible from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Note: Fireworks are not permitted on city owned property, parks, roads, easem*nts or other publicly owned property without specific approval by the Westfield Fire Chief or his designee.
Whiteland and fireworks
Fireworks areallowed inWhitelandfrom 10 a.m. to two hours after sunset June 29-July 3 and July 5-9. They are permissible from 10 a.m to midnight on July 4, from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1,and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. any other day not listed.
Whitestown and fireworks
Fireworks are onlyallowed in Whitestownfrom5 p.m. to 10:30p.m. every Friday and Saturday after Memorial Day and beforeLabor Day a few exceptions. Fireworks are also allowedfrom 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on the day of the Indianapolis500; from 2 to 10:30 p.m. on Memorial Day, the third day of Diwali unless a different day for Diwali is observed, the first day of Chinese New Year, Labor Day and New Year's Day; from 5 to 11 p.m. or until two hours after sunset if the sun sets after 9 p.m. onJune 29-July 3 and July 5-9; from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 and from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Penalties for illegal use of fireworks
There are five major penaltiesfor the misuse of fireworks determined by the state of Indianain addition to local ordinances.
- Anyone under the age of 18 using fireworks when an adult is not present is subject to a Class C misdemeanorand may result in a maximum fine of $500 per citation.
- Illegal use of fireworks at an unapproved location is subject to a maximum fine of $500 per citation. Multiple citations in a five-year period results in a Class C misdemeanor and is subject to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail.
- Damaging someone else's property with fireworks is a Class A misdemeanor and can result in a $5,000 maximum fine and upto one year in prison.
- Causing personal injury to someone else with fireworks is a Level 6felonyand may result in a $10,000 maximum fine and six months to 2 1/2 years in prison with an advisory sentence of one year.
- A fatal fireworks accident is considered a Level 5 felony and may result in a $10,000 maximum fine and one to six years in prison with an advisory sentence of three years.
How to stay safe around fireworks
Buying fireworks:
- Do not attempt to make your own fireworks or alter any fireworks you buy.
- Only buy fireworks from a licensed dealer.
- Watch out for these warning signs when buying fireworks. They might be Illegal if:
- The fireworks are in brown paper wrapping instead of cellophane.
- The boxes have no graphics or markings.
- The fireworks are being sold in a non-commercial location, such as a vehicle or residence.
- The seller has no evidence of a receipt or commercial packaging.
- The seller cannot say where the firework was originally purchased.
- If you spot any of these warning signs, don't buy those fireworks. The Department of Homeland Security in Indiana advises you to report the seller to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at 1-888-283-2662.
Children and fireworks:
- Don't allow children to light or play with fireworks.
- Parents should always supervise children when handling sparklers, which can burn up to 1,800 degrees or hotter.
Watching fireworks:
- Watch fireworks from a safe distance away from the launch area. Fireworks can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
Storing fireworks:
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Shooting off fireworks:
- Only use fireworks outside.
- Use fireworks in an open area.
- In case of wind, light fireworks where the wind is blowing away from spectators.
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.
- Never place a part of your body directly over a firework or hold a firework in your hand when lighting.
- Don't aim, point or throw fireworks at another person.
- For ground-based devices such as fountains, according to Homeland Security, the perimeter should be 35 feet out.
- For aerial devices, it should be 150 feet.Fireworks that don't go off when you light them can still explode.
- Never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework. Let duds sit for five or 10 minutes before you pick them up to dowse them in water.
Extinguishing fireworks:
- Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.
- After a firework has finished burning, douse it with plenty of water before throwing it away to prevent starting a trash fire.
Special considerations:
- Be considerate of those with PTSD and other medical conditions. Firework noisecan cause extremestress and reaction in neighbors.
- Be considerate of you and your neighbors pets. Animals have sensitive ears. Fireworksounds can frightenor stressanimals.
'Too outside-y.':Read the most absurd 1-star reviews of Indiana state parks in time for summer
Chris Sims is a digital producerat IndyStar. Follow himon Twitter:@ChrisFSims.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar. Send him a news tip atJTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.
