Fireworks can be both beautiful and inconvenient — the latter being a problem for most light sleepers or pet owners. Regardless, they will be sparkling over San Antonio on Saturday, July 4.

Here’s what to know about when and where to use them.

Yes, well, some. Only type 1.4G fireworks, which include sparklers, roman candles, and other smaller fireworks, are allowed. 

These can be sold and used in unincorporated Bexar County, which is outside the San Antonio city limits. However, they cannot be set off within 600 feet of a church, hospital, asylum, child care center or any school.

The law restricts lighting them within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are sold or flammable liquids are stored, such as a gas station. You also can’t aim them at a vehicle or while in one. 

If you want to get grander than that, you’re probably thinking of fireworks that fall under the 1.3G category. These are similar to those used at a city celebration or at SeaWorld. For information on how to obtain them, visit the Texas Department of Insurance website or contact the State Fire Marshal at 512-676-6800.

Bexar County and the Texas Occupations Code do not specify cutoff times. However, there is a statewide noise law that could get some people in trouble if they continue to set off fireworks into the early morning hours of Sunday, July 5.

Section 42 of the Texas Penal Code states that it is an offense to make an unreasonable amount of noise in a public space (that is not a sport shooting range) or near private property where they have no reason to be.

“A noise is presumed to be unreasonable if the noise exceeds a decibel level of 85 after the person making the noise receives notice from a magistrate or peace officer that the noise is a public nuisance,” the law states.

For reference, the website DecibelPro.App.com states that’s roughly equivalent to the sound of a food blender or a noisy restaurant.

Yes. The purchase, use, and transport of fireworks in the City of San Antonio are illegal and constitute a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.

There are, however, a few authorized shows in town. Some take place at Civic Park at Hemisfair, Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, Woodlawn Lake Park and SeaWorld San Antonio.

Remember, you have to be at least 16-years-old to purchase anything. Stand sites include the following: