This can be used as a handy reference for  enforcement of the Michigan Fireworks Law  (Michigan Penal Code, 1931 PA 328, as amended,  MCL §§750.243a - 243e; MSA §§28.440(1) – 440(5)).

“Fireworks means a device made from explosive or flammable compositions used primarily for the purpose of producing a visible display or audible effect, or both, by combustion, deflagration, or detonation.  It is illegal to sell, possess, transport, or use fireworks  in Michigan without a permit.  Exceptions are listed  below.

LEGAL FIREWORKS (NO PERMIT REQUIRED)

• Flat paper caps 
• Toy trick noise makers (party poppers, pop-its, fun snaps, toy pistols using flat paper caps, etc.) 
• Sparklers
• Flitter Sparklers (a narrow paper tube attached to a thin wooden handle producing a shower of sparks) 
• Fountains that are cone shaped or cylindrical shaped that emit a shower of sparks and sometimes a whistle effect 
• Toy Snakes (a pressed pellet that produces a large snake-like ash upon burning)
• Toy Smoke Devices (smoke bombs, smoke pots, smoke grenades, smoke balls, etc. that produce white or colored smoke) 
• Signal flares, blank cartridges or blank cartridge pistols, and railroad emergency signal devices 
• The sale of fireworks provided they are to be shipped directly out of state.  (This refers to commercial carriers subject to USDOT regulations only - dealers selling fireworks in Michigan using signed statements that the purchaser will transport the fireworks out of state is prohibited!)

Fireworks that do not fit the above exceptions are  illegal for sale, use, or transportation without a permit.   Violation is a misdemeanor (Cite MCL 750.243e).  Helpful Hint:  If it makes a loud bang or leaves the  ground, it is illegal.                                 
           

ILLEGAL FIREWORKS IN MICHIGAN (EXAMPLES)
This list is not all-inclusive:

• Cherry Bomb:  Looks like a small red sphere approx.  1” in diameter. 
• Comet (or Mine):  A cylinder containing a star and  attached to a wooden base.  Upon ignition the star is  thrust 50-100 feet in the air and continues to glow as  it slowly falls to the ground. 
• Firecracker:  A little noise making cylinder up to 1.5”  in length, often strung together by fuse.  
• M-80:  Up to 2” in length, the M-80 is usually a red  cylinder with a fuse coming out the side. 
• Bottle Rockets:  A cylinder, frequently topped by a  cone to stabilize its flight, attached to a long stick. 
• Roman Candles:  A 6-12” tube containing alternating  layers of compacted black powder that shoot single  stars out of the top when lighted.  
• Silver Salute (M-100):  A silver cylinder with a fuse  coming out of the side containing large quantities of  flash powder.  
• M-250 and M-1000 (quarter-stick):  They look like  larger versions of the M-80 and M-100 and have extremely high risk factors for crippling and  disfiguring injuries.
• Torch:  A 6-12” tube filled with color composition and  ending in a handle.  When ignited, streams of colors come out of the top of the tube.

A firework that spins or twirls is a “wheel” and thus is  neither a “cylindrical fountain” nor a “cone fountain”.   The sale, offer for sale, use, or possession of these “wheel” type devices is prohibited in Michigan. 

STORAGE OF SEIZED FIREWORKS

Fireworks that are seized as  contraband are hazardous when stored incorrectly.  The U.S. Department of Transportation classification label,  found on each properly manufactured device, must  be used to determine safe storage. Before disposing  of any fireworks seized for evidence, contact your  local prosecutor to determine what devices, if any, should be retained for prosecution.  The storage of fireworks at the site of a wholesaler,  dealer, or jobber has very specific requirements.  If  you encounter what appears to be unsafe storage of  fireworks, consult MCL 750.243d to determine the specific requirements.

Further questions about fireworks may be directed to  the Fire Marshal Division at (517) 322-1924.