Texas firework laws: What's allowed on New Year's Eve?

CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) -- As millions of people get ready to ring in the new year in a matter of days, some like to celebrate by setting off fireworks. However, while fun and pretty to look at, there are a lot of rules to follow on what is and isn't allowed.

"The cones and fountains sell out pretty quick," said Tyler Perkins, who operates an American Fireworks stand in Cedar Park. "We've sold out before on New Year's Eve. It's just been surprisingly slow so far this year."

While sales may not be popping off just yet, many people like to create their own personal celebration. That's where you can run into problems with the law.

Across Texas, it's illegal to set off fireworks within 600 feet of places like a church, hospital, licensed child care center or school. It's also illegal to use sky rockets or bottle rockets. Most cities will issue a misdemeanor for using them, sometimes with a fine of $2,000.

It's only legal to use fireworks with a maximum 1.4G. That includes things like sparklers, smoke devices, roman candles, parachutes and fire crackers.

This time of year, it's also nice to be respectful of neighbors.

"You're at home and [fireworks] are going off all around you and you don't see them. There's just a sudden burst -- and that's what triggers some of our veterans," said retired U.S. Navy Commander Scott Anderson.

To report illegal fireworks, call 3-1-1 in most areas. State laws indicates all sales must happen by Jan. 1.

For a full list of professional displays and other New Year's Eve events across the area, check out this list. You can read the full list of what's allowed and what's not on the state's website here.

“Can I set off fireworks right now?”

As a rule of thumb, Texans might consider a few questions when evaluating whether or not they can legally use fireworks in their area, such as:

• Are you within city limits?
  • If the answer is “yes” – Maybe. Likely not without at least a few restrictions, so you should check your city website.
• Are you in an unincorporated area of a county?
  • If the answer is “yes” – Probably, if you are either on your property or have the permission of a property owner, but you should double-check the county website. This might also change if you are within 5,000 feet of a city limit.
• What kind of fireworks are you using?
  • If you’re using “class C” or “1.4G” fireworks and not putting on a larger display, it’s probably OK.
  • If you’re putting on a larger display or using “class B” or “1.3G” fireworks, you’ll need a licensed pyrotechnic operator and the approval of the local fire prevention officer.
• Are you near any of the restricted areas listed above?
  • If the answer is “yes” – No, unless you have the written permission of the organization you’re near that is considered a restricted area.

Altogether, the state of Texas remains a vast collection of counties and communities with different needs and regulations when it comes to many things, including fireworks. However, Texans can still come together in the most festive times of the year and not only check in with their specific local rules, but also adopt safe habits with fireworks and fire safety.

What fireworks are allowed in Texas?

Most fireworks listed here, formerly known as “class C” explosives and now as “Fireworks 1.4G,” are allowed in Texas. These include fireworks such as:

• Caps for toy pistols;
• “Common” small fireworks that have audible or visual effects, but don’t expel shrapnel;
• Roman candles not exceeding 10 balls in the tube, not exceeding either 20 grams per ball in weight with a tube no bigger than 3/8 of an inch in diameter;
• “Helicopter” rockets with an inside tube no more than 1/2 an inch in diameter and no more than 20 grams each in weight;
• Cylindrical or cone fountains;
• Wheels that do not weigh more than 240 grams each;
• Sparklers and dipped sticks;
• Firecrackers that are no bigger than 1.5 inches long or 1/4 inch in diameter; and
• Toy smoke devices or toy propellant devices that do not produce an outside flame.

Fireworks that are not allowed in Texas include:

• Sky rockets or “bottle rockets” with;
  • A total propellant charge of less than 4 grams;
  • A casing size of less than 5/8 of an inch in outside diameter and less than 3.5 inches long; and
  • An overall length, including stick, of less than 15 inches; and
• Other fireworks not considered acceptable according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.