ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — As the Fourth of July draws closer, firework stands are popping up, but those bangs and booms could get you in trouble with the law.

Rules vary from city to city, but if you start your celebration at the wrong time, you could give up more bucks for the bang.

Even though it's impossible for police to crack down on every fountain and bottle rocket, they will be watching the skies for those that get out of control.

"If somebody's being completely obnoxious and we're getting numerous complaints from a certain address, of course we'll go out there and enforce the ordinance," said South Bend Police Capt. Phil Trent.

Mark Newland sells fireworks in St. Joseph County. He started shelling out sparklers and black cats earlier this month. The use restrictions haven't kept people from stopping in and stocking up.

"I don't think it's gonna stop people. If they wanna shoot fireworks, they're gonna shoot 'em," he said.

It doesn't matter if you set off something small or something big. If you don't know your city's ordinances, you could face big fines.

"It starts at $100. Second offense is $250. Third offense is $500," Trent said.

While the ordinances may change as you cross the county, people's excitement may change as you cross the street. What's legal in one area may not be welcomed by everyone.

"Have some compassion for the people around you. Not everybody in your neighborhood may be as enthusiastic about fireworks as you are," said Dave Cherrone, Clay Township Fire Marshal.

In South Bend, you can only use fireworks from June 29 through July 9 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The hours are extended to midnight on July 4.

Mishawaka's dates are the same, but the hours are from 5 p.m. until 2 hours after sunset. Hours are also extended until midnight on the July 4.

Elkhart has the same dates and almost the same times as Mishawaka.

St. Joseph County is a different story. It has no date restrictions. You can use fire works until 11 p.m. every night. They're allowed until midnight on July 4.

St. Joseph County is trying to change that. Council members are working to pass an ordinance that would have similar restrictions to South Bend and Mishawaka. If passed, it would go into effect next year.

Firefighters say it's important to use common sense with fireworks. Use them in an area away from structures, keep water close by and always read the warning labels.