A new law signed by Gov. Chris Christie exempts hand-held and ground-based sparklers from the state’s long-standing fireworks ban, just in time for tomorrow’s Independence Day celebrations.
New Jersey had been one of just three states, along with Delaware and Massachusetts, with a blanket ban on fireworks, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.
Under the new law, S-3034/A-4458 (Scutari, Burzichelli/Mukherji), Garden State residents can now buy, sell and use fireworks such as sparklers and ground-based sparklers, as well as novelty items, including party poppers and snappers. Purchasers must be at least 16 years old.
All explosive and aerial fireworks such as firecrackers, sky rockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles and similar devices remain illegal in New Jersey.
