DALLAS — Odds are, it is illegal to possess or shoot off fireworks near your North Texas home and if you're caught lighting up a sparkler or firecracker, it could cost you.
If you're looking for a sure way to avoid tickets and fines, you can always just attend one of the many events being held throughout North Texas.
Besides attending an official fireworks show, your best bet to legally shoot off fireworks is in unincorporated areas of your county. Most North Texas counties allow fireworks to be lit on private property, including Dallas, Denton, Collin and Tarrant Counties. If you don't own private property in an unincorporated area, remember that you need to get the permission of a private property owner to use their land. Plus, you also must be further than 5,000 feet away from the border of a city that has banned fireworks.
Even then, there are restrictions on the types of fireworks consumers can use. Texas only allows 1.4G fireworks, those are the small devices like wedding sparklers, smoke devices, snappers, Roman candles, parachutes and firecrackers. Sky rockets or Bottle Rockets are not allowed in the state. For a full list of rules, go here.
It's also worth mentioning that there are other reasons not to set off your fireworks. They started 31,302 fires in 2022, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fireworks also caused 1,500 trips to the emergency room in 2023, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Here's a round-up of penalties you might face if you're caught setting off fireworks in major North Texas cities.
Dallas
In Dallas, it is illegal to possess, store, handle or use fireworks within the city limits and you can be fined up to $2,000 for the offense.
Discharging a firearm within city limits is also illegal and punishable with a fine of up to $4,000. To report illegal fireworks, in Dallas, you can call 311 or 911.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth has a similar prohibition on the possession, manufacture, storage, sale or use of fireworks. Violators can be fined up to $2,000.
Fort Worth police also plan to increase enforcement of its ban on illegal fireworks including officers working overtime in every patrol division and all reports of illegal fireworks will be prioritized for a police response, according to a city presentation.
Fort Worth also set up a specific fireworks hotline that residents can use to report illegal fireworks, 817-392-4444.
Denton
Fireworks are also illegal in the city of Denton and violators can face up to a $2,000 fine. Residents can report illegal fireworks to non-emergency dispatch by calling 940-349-8181.
Plano
Using, possessing or selling fireworks is illegal in Plano and violations come with a fine of, you guessed it, $2,000.
Here's what else you need to know about using fireworks legally in North Texas
You must be at least 16 to purchase fireworks in Texas.
You cannot ignite fireworks in these places regardless of local regulations:
- Within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum or school unless you have written authorization from that organization.
- Within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or compressed gasses are stored.
- Within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold.
- In or from a motor vehicle
The Texas Department of Insurance has several tips for staying safe while using fireworks, keep water nearby, lighting one firework at a time, storing fireworks in a cool dry place, and igniting fireworks in a cleared area away from buildings, leaves and flammable materials. For a full list of safety tips, go here.
