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District of Columbia Allowed Firework Types (2026)

Restricted: The District of Columbia permits sparklers under 20 inches, fountains, cones, torches, dip sticks, non-poisonous snakes, paper novelties and caps.

RestrictedVerified May 31, 2026

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The District of Columbia permits sparklers under 20 inches, fountains, cones, torches, dip sticks, non-poisonous snakes, paper novelties and caps. Prohibited: firecrackers, Roman candles, floral and artillery shells, bottle rockets, pinwheels, helicopters and anything that explodes, shoots a projectile, moves, or throws sparks beyond 12 feet.

Official source: fems.dc.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Allowed Firework Types in states bordering District of Columbia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

MarylandRestricted
Maryland permits gold-label sparklers, ground-based sparkling devices (fountains), and novelties (snaps, poppers, snakes). Prohibited: any aerial device (firecrackers, Roman candles, rockets, aerial shells) and anything explosive.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: mdsp.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
VirginiaRestricted
Virginia permits sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, pinwheels/whirligigs, and caps statewide. Prohibited: firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles and any device that explodes, rises, or fires a projectile.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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