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A firework display lights up the sky over the River Cam during the Trinity May Ball at Cambridge University’s Trinity College. A celebration of the end of the academic year, the first official May Ball was held in Trinity College’s grounds in 1866 with the tradition quickly spreading to the other colleges, with around 15 to 20 balls and June Events typically held each year. Picture date: Monday June 22, 2026. (Photo by Joe Giddens\/PA Images via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Joe Giddens – PA Images\/PA Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Independence Day <\/a>is near. How do Americans plan to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary?<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Perhaps the most popular tradition is watching fireworks <\/a>explode.\u00a0<\/p>\n Maybe you want to do more than just watch the fireworks \u2014 like set off your own. But rules vary widely by location.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what Texans should know before July Fourth.<\/p>\n Are fireworks legal in Texas?<\/p>\n Yes, fireworks are legal in Texas \u2014 but where you can buy, possess and use them depends on state law and local city and county ordinances. Many cities, including Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, prohibit consumer fireworks inside city limits.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n What fireworks are legal in Texas?<\/p>\n Texas only allows 1.4G fireworks, also known as consumer fireworks. Only small-scale fireworks commonly available in local retail stores \u2014 such as sparklers, smoke bombs, snappers, roman candles, parachutes, firecrackers and similar items \u2014 are permitted, provided they comply with the\u00a0Consumer Product Safety Commission\u00a0and U.S. Department of Transportation definitions for consumer fireworks<\/a>.<\/p>\n Only small-scale fireworks commonly available in local retail stores \u2014 such as wedding sparklers, smoke bombs, snappers, roman candles, parachutes, firecrackers, and similar items.\u00a0 (Photo By David Zorrakino\/Europa Press via Getty Images)<\/p>\n Europa Press News\/Europa Press via Getty Images<\/p>\n Certain miniature sky rockets, also called bottle rockets, are prohibited at all times if they meet the following criteria, according to the state fire marshal\u2019s office:<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n They have less than 4 grams of propellant. Where are fireworks legal? County-by-county rules<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n According to the Travis County website, fireworks are generally prohibited in Austin and the surrounding areas. Fireworks are not allowed in Travis County parks. Don’t use fireworks within 600 feet of churches, hospitals, child care centers, or schools (including colleges) unless you have written permission from that facility. Veterinary hospitals are the one exception, according to the Travis County website.<\/p>\n If you live in Tarrant County, fireworks are only allowed in unincorporated areas of Tarrant County. Sparklers are also prohibited in Fort Worth city limits. For those who plan to light fireworks, you must have a permit from the fire marshal’s office.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n In Dallas County, fireworks are prohibited within Dallas city limits. The city ban extends 5,000 feet into unincorporated areas of Dallas County. Fines can be as much as $2,000 for each offense.<\/p>\n According to the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, fireworks are legal in unincorporated areas of Harris County; however, they’re restricted near certain establishments, including churches, schools and hospitals.<\/p>\n Outdoor displays of 1.3G fireworks, or professional-grade, require a permit from the Texas State Fire Marshal\u2019s Office. The\u00a0Harris County Fire Marshal\u2019s Office<\/a> will conduct a site inspection and approval in accordance with the Texas Occupations Code.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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\nThe casings have an outside diameter of less than 5\/8 of an inch.
\nThey are less than 3 1\/2 inches in length.
\nThe overall length, including the stick, is less than 15 inches.<\/p>\n