Firework Laws In Texas (2026): Everything You Need To Know

Fireworks are a big part of Texas celebrations. From the Fourth of July to New Year’s Eve, many families enjoy lighting them up. But Texas has specific laws about when, where, and what types of fireworks you can use. Breaking these laws can cost you thousands of dollars in fines.

This guide explains Texas firework laws in simple terms. You’ll learn what’s legal, what’s not, and how to celebrate safely without getting in trouble.

What Are Consumer Fireworks?

Consumer fireworks are the small explosives you can buy at stores and stands. In Texas, only certain types are legal for regular people to buy and use. These are called “Fireworks 1.4G” or “Class C” fireworks.

Texas law allows these fireworks because they are considered safer than larger, professional-grade explosives. But even these “safe” fireworks can cause injuries and fires if used incorrectly.

Basic Texas Firework Laws

Legal Firework Types

Texas only allows fireworks with a maximum rating of 1.4G. This includes:

Sparklers (wedding sparklers included)
Smoke devices and smoke bombs
Snappers (small paper-wrapped explosives that pop when thrown)
Roman candles (no more than 10 balls, each weighing no more than 20 grams)
Firecrackers
Parachute fireworks
Small “helicopter” rockets (inside tube no more than 1/2 inch diameter, weighing no more than 20 grams each)
Toy smoke devices that don’t produce outside flames

Illegal Firework Types

Texas completely bans these fireworks for consumer use:

Sky rockets or bottle rockets
Large missiles
Any firework with more than 1.4G rating
Fireworks that don’t meet US Consumer Product Safety Commission standards
Any rocket longer than 26 inches
Professional-grade fireworks (Class B or 1.3G) without proper licensing

When You Can Buy Fireworks

Texas allows firework sales during specific times each year. These “seasons” are:

Guaranteed Statewide Sales Periods

Independence Day: June 24 to July 4 (ends at midnight July 5)
New Year’s: December 20 to January 1 (ends at midnight)

Optional County Sales Periods

County commissioners can choose to allow sales during these times:

Texas Independence Day: February 25 to March 2
San Jacinto Day: April 16 to April 21
Memorial Day: Wednesday before the last Monday in May to the last Monday in May
Cinco de Mayo: May 1 to May 5 (only within 150 miles of Texas-Mexico border)
Diwali: Five days before to the last day of Diwali

You must check with your county to see if they allow sales during the optional periods.

Penalties and Consequences

State-Level Penalties

Breaking Texas firework laws is serious. Here’s what can happen:

Class C Misdemeanor: Fines up to $500 for minor violations with property damage under $200
Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000 for licensing violations
Enhanced Penalties: If fireworks cause property damage over $200 or bodily injury, penalties increase significantly

City-Level Penalties

Most Texas cities have their own firework laws with harsh penalties:

Dallas: Up to $2,000 fine for possession, storage, or use within city limits
Houston: $500 to $2,000 fine for each individual firework
Fort Worth: Up to $2,000 fine for possession or use
Austin: Complete ban with fines for violations
San Antonio: Fines up to $2,000
College Station: Up to $2,500 fine

Additional Consequences

Seizure: Police can take away your fireworks
Arson Charges: If fireworks cause fires, you could face felony charges with up to $10,000 fines
Insurance Issues: Your homeowner’s insurance may not cover damage from illegal firework use
Parental Responsibility: Parents pay fines if their children are caught with fireworks

Where You Cannot Use Fireworks

Texas law bans fireworks in these locations statewide:

Always Prohibited Areas

Within 600 feet of churches, hospitals, schools, or childcare centers (unless you have written permission)
Within 100 feet of places storing flammable liquids or compressed gases
Within 100 feet of firework storage or sales locations
In or from motor vehicles
On US Army Corps of Engineers property (including many lakes and parks)

City Limits

Most major Texas cities ban all fireworks within city limits. This includes:

Dallas
Houston
Fort Worth
Austin
San Antonio
El Paso
Arlington
Plano
Garland
Irving
Amarillo
Corpus Christi
Lubbock
And many others

Many cities also ban fireworks within 5,000 feet of their borders.

Special Circumstances

Burn Bans

During dry conditions, counties can issue burn bans. These may restrict or prohibit firework use even in areas where they’re normally legal. Always check your county’s current burn ban status before using fireworks.

Age Restrictions

You must be at least 16 years old to buy fireworks in Texas. Retailers must check ID and can face penalties for selling to minors.

Professional Displays

Large firework displays require special licenses and trained operators. You cannot put on professional-style shows without proper permits and licensing.

How to Use Fireworks Legally

Find Legal Locations

To use fireworks legally in Texas:

Check your city: Most cities ban fireworks completely
Go to unincorporated areas: County areas outside city limits often allow fireworks
Get property owner permission: You need permission to use someone else’s land
Stay 5,000+ feet from city limits: Even county areas near cities may have restrictions

During Sales Periods Only

You can only legally buy fireworks during the specific sales periods listed above. Buying outside these times is illegal.

Follow Safety Rules

Even legal firework use requires safety precautions:

Use only in cleared areas away from buildings and dry materials
Keep water nearby for emergencies
Light one firework at a time
Never try to relight duds – soak them in water instead
Store fireworks in cool, dry places
Never modify or make homemade fireworks

Reporting Violations

Emergency Situations

Call 911 if fireworks cause fires, injuries, or other emergencies.

Non-Emergency Reports

Most cities have specific numbers for reporting illegal fireworks:

Dallas: 311 or 911
Fort Worth: 817-392-4444 (special fireworks hotline)
Houston: 713-884-3131
College Station: 940-349-8181
Arlington: Online form at arlingtonpd.org/webapps/fireworksform/

Recent Law Changes

2024-2025 Updates

Several changes took effect recently:

Counties now have seven sales periods instead of six
Enhanced penalties for firework-related arson
Stricter enforcement in many cities
New reporting systems for violations

Enhanced Fire Safety

Texas added stronger penalties for fires caused by fireworks. If your fireworks start a fire that damages property, you can face arson charges with serious felony penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sparklers in Dallas?

No. Dallas and most Texas cities ban ALL fireworks within city limits, including sparklers. The fine can be up to $2,000.

What if I bought fireworks legally but live in a city that bans them?

You can possess legal fireworks for transport through cities, but you cannot use them within city limits. You must go to legal areas to light them.

Are fireworks allowed during burn bans?

It depends on your county’s specific burn ban language. Some burn bans restrict fireworks, others don’t. Always check with your local fire marshal.

What happens if my neighbor reports me for fireworks?

Police will investigate and can issue citations. Even if you think you’re following the law, officers have authority to determine violations based on local ordinances.

Can I transport fireworks through cities where they’re banned?

Yes, but there are rules. Fireworks must be properly stored in your vehicle and you cannot open or use them while in the city.

Final Thoughts

Texas firework laws are complex and vary greatly by location. The safest approach is to attend professional fireworks shows rather than risking fines or safety issues. If you choose to buy and use fireworks, research your local laws carefully and always prioritize safety.

Remember that even legal firework use can result in serious injuries or property damage. Keep safety equipment nearby, follow all manufacturer instructions, and never use fireworks under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

When in doubt, contact your local fire marshal or city officials for guidance about what’s allowed in your specific area.