Louisville Fireworks Law

How Louisville’s Fireworks Ordinance Further Restricts Fireworks

Although Kentucky law allows the limited use of consumer fireworks, Louisville’s local ordinance restricts them even further. Chapter 94 of the Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances outlines the city’s position. The law prohibits residents from selling, possessing with intent to sell, or igniting most fireworks within city limits.

The ordinance allows only a very narrow list of low-hazard items and prohibits the sale or use of all others. That list includes sparklers, smoke devices, ground spinners, fountains, and other novelty items that do not project into the air or explode. Only individuals 18 or older may use even the legal devices. Louisville law makes it clear that many projectile or explosive fireworks fall outside the bounds of what is legally permitted.

Specifically, Chapter 94.40(B)(4) states:

Consumer fireworks may not be offered for sale, exposed for sale, sold at retail, kept with the intent to sell, nor possessed with the intent to sell, if it has as part of its device any wings, fins, or other mechanisms designed to cause the device to fly, or is an aerial device. Consumer fireworks also may not be offered for sale, exposed for sale, sold at retail, kept with the intent to sell, nor possessed with the intent to sell, if it carries a cautionary label which includes in its description any of the following terms: “explosive”, “emits flaming pellets”, “flaming balls”, “firecracker”, “report” or “rocket”.

The local government enacted these restrictions for one reason: safety. Fireworks-related fires and injuries strain public resources, endanger neighborhoods, and put lives at risk. From a personal injury standpoint, anyone who violates these rules and causes harm faces serious civil liability. Lighting fireworks irresponsibly may lead to criminal charges and a costly personal injury lawsuit.

Louisville’s Fireworks Law and Businesses

Louisville fireworks law also holds businesses accountable. Authorities may fine or charge any retailer who sells unapproved fireworks. These businesses can also lose their right to operate and may be named in personal injury lawsuits if their products cause harm. Selling fireworks to a minor or allowing someone under 18 to handle fireworks also violates the fireworks law in Louisville. Adults who break these laws and cause injury—directly or through a child’s actions—face serious consequences.

Criminal Enforcement of Fireworks Laws on Louisville

Louisville Metro’s fireworks ordinance includes enforcement provisions. Police and fire officials actively confiscate fireworks used or possessed in violation of the law. City officials issue civil fines, file criminal charges, and destroy confiscated fireworks. This strict enforcement plays a key role in protecting the community and establishing standards of care in civil litigation.

Is It Illegal to Use Fireworks in Louisville? If Not, What Fireworks Are Legal in Louisville?

Despite Louisville’s Fireworks law restrictions, some fireworks use remains legal in Louisville. However, residents must understand that the list of permitted items remains short. Sparklers, smoke bombs, glow worms, fountains, and similar devices fall within legal boundaries if used responsibly. Adults must supervise their use, follow all safety recommendations, and maintain adequate distance from people, structures, and flammable materials. Even legal fireworks can cause harm if misused.

The city also allows public displays conducted by licensed professionals. Organizers must obtain a permit and meet strict fire safety standards. When those conditions are met, the public can enjoy fireworks with confidence that safety measures are in place. Any display without proper authorization, however, remains illegal and dangerous.

Helpful Definitions for Legal Fireworks in Louisville

• Sparkler. Wire coated with pyrotechnic composition that produces a shower of sparks upon ignition. These items may not contain magnesium and must not exceed 100 grams of pyrotechnic composition per item. Devices containing any chlorate or perchlorate salts may not exceed five grams of pyrotechnic composition per item.
• Smoke Bomb (Smoke Device). Tube or sphere containing pyrotechnic composition that, upon ignition, produces white or colored smoke as the primary effect.
• Snakes/Glow Worms. Pressed pellet of pyrotechnic composition that produces a large, snake-like ash upon burning. The ash expands in length as the pellet burns. Such devices may not contain mercuric thiocyanate.
• Cylindrical Fountain. Cylindrical tube containing not more than 75 grams of pyrotechnic composition, where upon ignition a shower of and sometimes a whistling or smoking effect, is produced. This device may be provided with a spike for insertion into the ground (spike fountain), a wood or plastic base for placing on the ground (base fountain), or a wood or cardboard handle, if intended to be hand-held (handle fountain). When more than one tube is mounted on a common base, total pyrotechnic composition may not exceed 200 grams, or 500 grams if the tubes are separated from each other on the base by a distance of at least one-half inch.
• Cone Fountain. Cardboard or heavy paper cone containing up to 50 grams of pyrotechnic composition. The effect is the same as that of a cylindrical fountain. When more than one cone is mounted on a common base, the total pyrotechnic composition may not exceed 200 grams, or 500 grams if the tubes are separated from each other on the base by a distance of at least one-half inch.
• Wheel. A pyrotechnic device attached to a post or tree by means of a nail or string. A wheel may have one or more drivers, each of which may contain not more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic composition. No wheel may contain more than 200 grams total pyrotechnic composition. Upon ignition, the wheel revolves, producing a shower of color and sparks and, sometimes, a whistling effect.
• Ground Spinner. Small device containing not more than 20 grams of pyrotechnic composition, similar in operation to a wheel but intended to be placed on the ground and ignited. A shower of sparks and color is produced by the rapidly spinning device.

Final Thoughts from a Personal Injury Lawyer

Using fireworks can quickly shift from celebration to catastrophe in an instant. Louisville lawmakers treat fireworks seriously because of the substantial risks they pose. State law sets the groundwork, but Louisville Metro takes a stricter approach. Louisville lawmakers banned most consumer fireworks and strictly regulate their sale, possession, and use.

When someone violates those laws and another person suffers injury, Courts often support the injured party’s right to compensation. Whether the cause involves an illegal aerial device, an unsupervised child, or a negligent seller, the victim deserves justice. Fireworks may feel like harmless fun, but they carry legal and physical consequences that last far longer than a single night’s display.

Injured? Get Help from a Louisville Injury Lawyer

As a Louisville personal injury lawyer, I urge residents to follow Louisville’s fireworks laws closely. If you or someone you love suffers injury due to fireworks, seek legal guidance. Your rights matter—and the law stands ready to hold the responsible party accountable.

Injured by fireworks? Call 502.553.4750. Consultation is free and confidential.

Serious Attorneys. Serious Results.