Question: Dad, can we buy some fireworks this 4th of July? We never get to have fun …
Answer: Well, Jack (my 16 year old son), according to the Mass.gov website, it is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts. Sadly, it is also illegal to buy fireworks legally at those cool stores in New Hampshire and transport them into the state.
What is the penalty if we break this law?
For possession, use, or explosion of fireworks: A fine of $10 to $100 and confiscation of our stash.
For the sale of fireworks: Imprisonment up to one year, plus a fine: $100 to $1000, or both. Also, our stash will be confiscated.
Can people get their fireworks back?: No, if convicted, the fireworks are forfeited to the Commonwealth.
What does an officer do with confiscated fireworks? In the old days, they would set them off themselves. Today, the fireworks are securely stored until the explosive technician from the State Fire Marshal’s Office can take them into possession for disposal.
Attorney James Haroutunian practices real estate law and estate planning in Massachusetts at Priority Law. This article was originally published in the Lowell Sun and is for informational purposes only and not to be relied on as legal advice, in any manner.