Fireworks Statutes and Ordinances

Helpful Information Regarding Fireworks Laws in NC and Fuquay-Varina Town Ordinances

Illegal fireworks include (but are not limited to): Firecrackers, ground spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and mortars. NC General Statute 14-410 and 14-414 govern the sale and possession of pyrotechnics. Violation of these laws is a Class 2 Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days to 6 months in jail. The possession or discharge of fireworks that explode, spin, fly, flip, propel in the air or leave the ground in ANY way are prohibited by NC law.

Fireworks that are legal to possess and use in SOME jurisdictions in NC are labeled as 1.4G. Novelty items such as sparklers, caps for toy pistols, snake and glow worms that emit a snakelike ash when burning and trick noisemakers are legal BUT can still cause injury if not properly handled. In all cases, these items should be kept away from children and pets.

Several towns and cities also have local ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks. While you may see tents or stores selling these items in NC (as listed as 1.4G), you may possess them but may not discharge them in some local jurisdictions, like Fuquay-Varina for example.

What is prohibited in the Town of Fuquay-Varina as it pertains to fireworks, discharging of firearms and loud noises?

The public is reminded that discharging fireworks and firearms within the Town limits of Fuquay-Varina is a violation of Fuquay-Varina Town Ordinances.

Per Sec. 8-7002 Noises Expressly Prohibited The following acts, among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises in violation of this section, but said enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive, namely: Subsection (17) The firing or discharging of squibs, crackers, gunpowder or other combustible substance in the streets or elsewhere for the purpose of making noise or disturbance except by permit by the Board. Per 8-

Per Sec. 8-6012 Discharging Guns, etc. "It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or explode any gun, firecracker, cannon cracker, pistol, rocket or other explosive of whatever character upon any of the streets, alleys, sidewalks, or other public places of the Town".

 Per 8-6015 Firearms, "It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm at any time or place within the Town of Fuquay-Varina corporate limits except when used in defense of person or property or pursuant to lawful directions of law enforcement officers". The public is strongly urged not to fire guns into the air, as the bullet will fall to the ground with sufficient velocity to damage property and injure or kill.