Woodbridge Will Be Looking For Those Setting Off Illegal Fireworks

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — From now through next Fourth of July weekend, Woodbridge Police will be looking for those setting off illegal fireworks.

Woodbridge Police will step up neighborhood patrols in an unprecedented crackdown on the use of illegal fireworks by residents and visitors. Marked and unmarked Woodbridge Police vehicles will be on patrol through next weekend, and will respond to any location where illegal fireworks are in use.

Additionally, the WPD will respond to any complaints or instances where the use of illegal fireworks jeopardizes public safety and will take appropriate action, including arrest of violators, issuance of summonses and confiscation of illegal fireworks.

Permissible fireworks legally allowed to be sold in New Jersey are limited to hand-held or ground-based sparklers, snakes and glowworms, smoke devices and trick noisemakers, including party poppers, snappers and drop pops.

Residents are encouraged to report the illegal use of fireworks by contacting the WPD at 732-634-7700.

The sale, possession and use of all other fireworks (including firecrackers, roman candles, M80’s, cherry bombs, salutes, and ground-to-air fireworks) is a fourth-degree crime if the person sells, offers or exposes for sale, or possesses with intent to sell, any fireworks and is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or up to 18 months in jail. Possession of destructive devices is a Third Degree crime with fines of up to $10,000 and incarceration of up to three to five years in jail. Additionally, a person is guilty of a petty disorderly person’s offense (a fine of up to $500.00 and/or a jail term of up to 30 days) if the person purchases, uses, discharges, causes to be discharged, ignites, fires or otherwise sets in action, or possesses fireworks without having the required permit. Any business that advertises, offers to sell or sells fireworks to residents of New Jersey is required to clearly and conspicuously disclose that fireworks, other than sparkling devices and novelties, are illegal to possess or use in New Jersey without a valid permit. Failure to do so would constitute a violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act and its regulations.