Fireworks Laws in Ann Arbor, Michigan

As the Fourth of July approaches, you've probably noticed the big red and white tents popping up in your local strip mall or gas station's parking lots. It is the time of year when Americans everywhere tempt danger with fireworks. If you happen to be in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where summer nights beg for a good light show, it is important to understand fireworks laws before financing your own display.

First, there is indeed a Michigan Fireworks Law issued by the Fire Marshall. The detailed version of the law may be found on the Michigan state government website, and it applies to residents statewide. The gist of it is that sparklers, toy trick noise makers, flat paper caps, flitter sparklers, cone or cylindrical fountains, toy smoke devices, and signal flares are all legal in the state of Michigan. You need not have a permit to sell, purchase, or ship the aforementioned items. So, after your evening barbeque, you can let the sparks fly in your backyard -- to a certain extent. Any other fireworks are illegal, regardless of whether you live in Ann Arbor or Marquette.

As the Michigan Fireworks Law concisely states, "If it makes a loud bang or leaves the ground, it is illegal." Besides, do you really want the neighborhood patrol to catch you setting off an illegal Silver Salute on your driveway? Finding a job is hard enough as it is without a blemish on your next criminal background check. So, yes, even if your adventurous uncle is in town and wants to set off his stash of cherry bombs, bottle rockets, and fire bombs, don't let him -- at least not without checking for a permit. Michigan passed Bill 5999 in 2010, which now permits the sale of bottle rockets and cherry bombs, provided the user has a location measuring at least 1,000 feet and a $5,000 permit.

Michigan's state fireworks laws are consolidated on a wallet-sized slip available on the government website. You might find it handy to print this out and keep it tucked away if you're planning on shopping in the next few weeks. Be cautioned that even the legal fireworks are not foolproof. Sparklers, for instance, can pose a threat to your eyes, legs, and arms. The National Fireworks Safety Council has offered a few helpful tips, including the following: only use one sparkler at a time, stand six feet from your nearest neighbor, and never run with sparklers or wave sparklers. A more comprehensive list on sparklers and other devices may be found at the Council's website.

Given the dangers inherent in handling fireworks -- even the legal ones -- you might just be better off leaving things to the professionals. Although Ann Arbor does not host its own show, you can find professional fireworks displays in neighboring towns, or venture to a Detroit suburb. Hudson Mills Metropark, in nearby Dexter, puts on its display on July 3^rd at 10:00 p.m, and the cost is $5 per vehicle. Longtime Ann Arborites can vouch for the quality of the show, and the delightfully woodsy ambiance. Ypsilanti offers three light shows. On July 1-3 at 10:15 each night, you can watch the colors burst over Ford Lake. If you head just west of Ann Arbor to Jackson, you can watch a fireworks display at Cascade Falls Park on July 3^rd at dusk. These are the closest displays to Ann Arbor. Yes, you'll have to deal with mosquitoes and a bottlenecked exodus when the show is over, but you'll be able to enjoy the experience without worrying about the dangers.