Memorial Day 2019: Michigan's New Fireworks Regulations

MICHIGAN — Memorial Day is this weekend and as it unofficially kicks off summertime with bbqs, pool parties and other Pure Michigan adventures, lawmakers have curbed one of Michiganders favorite pastimes: fireworks.

After residents were concerned about fireworks being shot off at all hours of the night, scaring children and pets, new regulations were put into place.

The new law, House Bill 5939, has significantly reduced the number of days one can shoot off fireworks, from 30 to 12. While the initial law allowed people to light fireworks around federal holidays, the new measure has limited displays to these dates:

• Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1
• The Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
• June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
• July 5, if that date is a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m.
• The Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.

The fine for lighting off your fireworks on non-designated days has also gone up. Last year, you were given a $500 if you were caught. This year, the fine is now $1,000, half of which will go to local law enforcement

Rep. Jim Lilly, R-Park Township, sponsored two of the three new bills passed, according to MLive.

For the full new regulation, visit the state of Michigan's LARA website.