Holiday Fireworks Celebrations
Georgia law states that fireworks cannot be sparked near a public roadway or railroad, cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18, and cannot be sold from a car or a tent.
In most cities and counties of Georgia, fireworks may be ignited any day between 10 am and 11:59 pm. On New Year’s Day, fireworks may be ignited from midnight to 1 am.
New legislation, effective July 1, 2018, gives local authorities the option to restrict the use of fireworks at certain times, provided the restriction is part of a general noise ordinance that does not apply solely to fireworks. Some cities and counties may adopt stricter codes and ordinances.
Cobb County (Georgia) has an ordinance which prohibits use of fireworks from 9 pm to 10 am daily.
It is illegal to light fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Always drink responsibly.
In extreme drought or high-wind conditions, local fire officials may prohibit fireworks altogether. In early July 2023, parts of Georgia are expecting temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and higher with gentle breezes.
It is illegal to light fireworks within 100 yards of:
- Electric plants
- Water treatment plants
- Waste-water treatment plants
- Gas stations
- Refineries
- Electric substations
- Jails or prisons
- Helipads
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Other health care facilities
Fireworks are strictly prohibited in state parks, according the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, State Parks and Historic Sites. They are also banned in other public parks except for those with a special license.
When using Fireworks:
- Obey local laws
- Wear safety glasses
- Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby
- Keep an extinguisher nearby
- Use outdoors and away from flammable and wooden objects
- Do not pick up if recently lit
- Do not attempt to re-shoot that does not immediately fire
- Soak fireworks in water before discarding
Reckless Celebratory Discharging of Firearms
Firing guns into the air in celebration is unsafe and illegal. What goes up must come down, and that simple rule of physics is why shooting into the air is still dangerous for bystanders. Any projectiles fired into the air will inevitably come down at a speed that can injure and kill. Bullets fired skyward fall back to earth at high speed, sometimes striking and seriously injuring people as they fall. They’ve even been known to penetrate building roofs and injure people inside.
In Georgia, it is illegal to fire a gun…
- on someone’s property without permission
- within 50 feet of a public road, street or highway
- while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Violating any of those laws is a misdemeanor offense.
Last updated on June 30, 2023
