1. when they have the “Safe-N-Sane” label,
2. when you purchase them from licensed sellers in fire department-approved booths,
3. when you use them between June 28th and July 4th.

In short, fireworks are illegal in Las Vegas and throughout Clark County except for the Safe-N-Sane variety during the week leading up to the 4th of July.

Every Nevada county regulates fireworks differently. Though throughout Nevada, it is illegal to possess fireworks in

• schools,
• streets and sidewalks, and
• city, state, or federal property, such as parks.

Unlawful fireworks possession is a misdemeanor in Las Vegas:

Nevada Fireworks Penalties
Jail	Up to six months in jail (but jail is rare for a first-time offense)
Fines	$1,000 plus a $500 civil penalty

In this article, our Las Vegas fireworks attorneys answer frequently asked questions about Nevada fireworks laws, punishments, and how to fight the charges.

• 1. Nevada Fireworks Laws
• 2. Las Vegas Fireworks Laws
• 3. Importing Fireworks
• 4. Traffic Checkpoints
• 5. Arrests and Citations
• 6. Penalties
• 7. Defenses
• 8. Nye County
• 9. Moapa Indian Reservation
• 10. Related Crimes
• Additional Resources

Note that this article pertains only to consumer fireworks (also called “class C fireworks”) that private citizens use recreationally. There are separate laws that regulate display fireworks that licensed pyrotechnicians use. 

1. Nevada Fireworks Laws

Each Nevada county has its own laws regulating fireworks.¹

Note that fireworks are always prohibited in the following locations no matter which county they are located in:

• streets and sidewalks;
• school district property; and
• any federal, state or city property, such as parks and recreational areas.

Therefore, fireworks are illegal at such Nevada landmarks as:

• Lake Mead,
• Red Rock,
• Mount Charleston,
• Death Valley, and
• Spring Mountain²

2. Las Vegas Fireworks Laws

Fireworks are illegal in Clark County (which includes Las Vegas) except for the Safe-N-Sane variety during the week before July 4. Specifically, fireworks are illegal unless they meet the following three conditions:

1. The fireworks carry the “Safe-N-Sane” emblem (which means they do not rocket, explode or leave the ground once they are ignited); and
2. The fireworks are sold anytime during the week from June 28th to July 4th; and
3. The fireworks are sold by licensed vendors approved by the fire department in special booths located in Clark County (there are more than 400 vendors, and they are typically run by nonprofit groups such as booster organizations).

Therefore, even Safe-N-Sane fireworks are illegal to possess in Clark County for all but one week out of the year.³

If you have any fireworks left over after July 4th, you are advised to contact your local fire department to take them off your hands since they are no longer legal.

Examples of fireworks that are always illegal in Clark County even on July 4th, include:

• roman candles,
• parachutes,
• bottle rockets,
• black cats,
• trick matches,
• blackjacks,
• ladyfingers,
• mortar shells,
• M-80s,
• chasers,
• cigarette loads,
• autofoolers, and
• sparklers more than 10 inches in length or more than a ¼ inch in diameter.

7. Defenses

The best strategy for defending against fireworks-related charges in Nevada turns on the specific facts of the case. The most common defense is showing

1. that the fireworks did not belong to you, and
2. you had no control over them.

If you had no major prior brushes with the law, the prosecutor may be willing to dismiss the entire case in exchange for a fine. A dismissal means that there is no criminal conviction.

Even though illegal fireworks possession is a relatively minor offense, it is important to try to get your case dismissed. That way, you are eligible to petition for a record seal right away. Otherwise, an illegal fireworks conviction will stay on your record for at least one (1) year before you can try to get it sealed.

8. Nye County

It is legal to purchase fireworks that are not “Safe-N-Sane” in Nye County (which includes Pahrump). Though strangely, Nye County prohibits the possession or use of any type of fireworks there. It is illegal even to possess or use “Safe and Sane” fireworks in Nye County.

So people who buy fireworks in Nye County have to sign a waiver pledging that the fireworks will be taken outside of Nye County within 24 hours.⁹

9. Moapa Indian Reservation

The Moapa Indian reservation is not obliged to follow state or local fireworks laws. Therefore, vendors there may sell fireworks that are not “Safe-N-Sane.”

Note that customers are usually required to ignite them immediately on the flat, sand-covered “launching pads” that the vendors provide behind the stores.¹⁰

10. Related Crimes

Reckless Endangerment

Using fireworks “in willful disregard of others’ safety” in Nevada is reckless endangerment. As long as no one got killed or seriously hurt, reckless endangerment is a gross misdemeanor carrying:

• up to $2,000 in fines, and/or
• up to 364 days in jail

But if the incident allegedly resulted in death or serious injury, then reckless endangerment is charged as a category C felony carrying:

• 1 to 5 years in Nevada State Prison, and
• possibly a fine of up to $10,000 as well¹¹

Malicious Use of Explosives

It is also a crime to maliciously or willfully use fireworks to damage or destroy property. If no substantial bodily harm results, you face category B penalties of:

• 2 to 10 years in Nevada State Prison, and/or
• $2,000 to $10,000 in fines

Penalties become harsher if someone gets hurt or killed.¹²

Additional Resources

For information on fireworks safety, refer to the following:

• Fireworks Safety – KidsHealth.org.
• 10 Tips for Fireworks Safety – Department of Homeland Security.
• Fireworks Safety – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
• Fireworks – Tips by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Leave Fireworks to the Experts – National Safety Council.

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Legal References: