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District of Columbia Consumer Fireworks (2026)

Conditional: The District of Columbia allows only ground-based sparklers, fountains and listed novelties; all aerial and exploding fireworks are illegal (fines from $2,000 and possible arrest) (DC Fire Code 5609).

ConditionalVerified Jul 27, 2026

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Official source: fems.dc.gov →

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

Consumer Fireworks in states bordering District of Columbia

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

MarylandConditional
In Maryland, only gold-labeled sparklers, novelty items (party poppers, snap pops, snakes) and non-aerial, non-explosive ground-based sparkling devices are legal statewide; aerial and explosive fireworks — firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, mortars — are banned. …
Verified Jul 27, 2026 · Source: firemarshal.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
VirginiaConditional
Virginia permits only non-aerial "permissible fireworks"; anything that explodes, rises into the air, or travels laterally is illegal. Localities may regulate further, and some ban all fireworks (Va. Code 27-95 to 27-97).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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