“Find out what fireworks are permitted and prohibited in DC.”

Fireworks arrive at Pentagon City Costco. photo by Mark Lyon

From MPD:

“Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day or the New Year, a backyard barbecue, or other family occasions, it is important to understand the laws regulating fireworks in the District of Columbia. Find out what fireworks are permitted and prohibited in DC.

Prohibited

Article 27, DC Register, F-2700.1.1: The manufacture, storage, display, sale, setting off, or discharge of any firework listed below is prohibited in the District of Columbia.

Firecrackers of any kind or description

Any firework that explodes, such as cherry bombs, salutes, Roman

candles, floral shells, artillery shells

Any firework intended to move after the piece is placed and fired; such as bottle rockets, parachutes, buzzbombs, pinwheels, helicopters, jumping jacks

Sparklers more than 20 inches (50mm) in length

Any firework that contains mercury, arsenic, tetryl, phosporous, sulphocyanide, magnesium, potassium picrate, gallic acid, chlorate of potash and sugar, or any highly oxidizing agent

Any firework having a side fuse, or a fuse inserted at any point along the length of the firework

Any firework found by the code official to be dangerous to the safety of persons or property

Permitted

Article 27, District of Columbia Register, F-2700.1.2): The fireworks listed below are permitted to be stored, displayed, sold, delivered, used, and possessed in accordance with the provisions of this article.

Any firework specifically excepted in this article

Toy paper caps containing not more than twenty-five hundredths (0.25) of a grain of explosive composition per cap

Sparklers not more than 20 inches (50mm) in length

Torches, cones

Box fires, fountains

Dip-sticks, non-poisonous snakes

Paper novelty items, colored lights”