Fireworks legal in most of New York for July 4, but not Rockland and Westchester

This year’s Independence Day celebrations will be marked in most places with traditional fireworks displays, particularly in places where localities have relaxed restrictions on certain sparklers, but locally the devices remain banned.

Thus far, 31 counties have opted into limited fireworks sales, particularly the sale of low-risk sparklers that do not spout flames or include large explosions. A variety of handheld and ground-based sparklers without metal handles, snakes, party poppers and snappers can be purchased and used in those counties between June 1 and July 5. Projectile fireworks such as bottle rockets and Roman candles remain illegal statewide.

Westchester and Rockland, however, have not legalized the devices and will likely keep the prohibition through the holidays. A public hearing and talk on new regulations is expected in the Rockland County Legislature in the near future, though County Executive Ed Day has expressed strong opposition to relaxed firework regulations.