What’s Legal in Illinois: Fireworks and Novelty Item Guidelines

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Here’s exactly what is allowed under Illinois State Law without a special permit. These are the only fireworks and novelty items that may be sold or used:

• Snake or glow worm pellets

• Smoke devices

• Trick noisemakers such as:

  • Party poppers

  • Booby traps

  • Snappers

  • Trick matches

  • Cigarette loads

  • Auto burglar alarms

• Sparklers

• Toy pistols, canes, or guns using paper or plastic caps with 25 hundredths grains (16 mg) or less of explosive compound, as long as the cap isn’t exposed during use

• Paper or plastic caps containing less than 20 hundredths grains (13 mg) of explosive mixture

Important: Anything not listed above is illegal under Illinois law.

Also note: While these items are allowed at the state level, local governments can further restrict or ban their use under Section 3.4 of the Pyrotechnic Use Act. Always check your local ordinances before purchasing or using any fireworks or novelty items.

To read the full statue and rules imposed by the State of Illinois, click here. ​​