Amendments to the Michigan Firework Safety Act done late last year modified when and how a municipality can regulate the ignition, discharge and use of consumer fireworks. The changes significantly reduced the total number of days as well as the time frame in which fireworks can be used and not regulated locally. Currently, municipalities (regardless of population size) are prevented from regulating fireworks during the following days/times:

• 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 p.m on July 5, if that date is a Friday or Saturday
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 p.m pm June 29 and 30, and July 1, 2, 3, and 4
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 p.m the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day
• 11:00 a.m. on December 31 – 1:00 a.m. on January 1

Municipalities can regulate the ignition, discharge and use of consumer fireworks any other days/times through the adoption of local ordinances.

Changes to the law also increased the fine amount a municipality can charge for violations of their local ordinances from $500 to $1,000.

The League’s Fireworks fact sheet that can be viewed HERE.

Jennifer Rigterink is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development, land use and municipal services issues.  She can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0305.