Fireworks laws vary by state

By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

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Fireworks laws are more restrictive in Michigan than in Indiana. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jun 25, 2009 at 4:50 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 25, 2009 at 5:51 PM EST

ST. JOSEPH CO — With the Fourth of July around the corner, some shoppers are making room in their budgets for fireworks and bottle rockets. But laws differ from state to state. Michigan's fireworks laws are more restrictive than Indiana.

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While some shoppers play it safe and obey the law, Niles Police and Fire notice 10-15 more calls than normal around this time, every year, from people using illegal fireworks.

Several car lengths separate the signs defining the Indiana and Michigan state line and dozens of vehicles with Michigan plates cross that line to visit fireworks stores along State Road 933.

"Right here off the Toll Road, in town, we have a lot of repeat customers from Michigan," said George Graves with Boom City Fireworks.

Inside, the shelves are stocked with thousands of items.

"A lot of people like the big rockets and the big cakes," said Leslie Ernsperger with World's Cheapest Fireworks.

Across the state line, there's a world of difference with Michigan laws that only permit the state's residents to fire off sparklers, fountains, snakes and smoke bombs on the Fourth.

"Any firecrackers, M80s, bottle rockets or mortars are all illegal," said Lt. Jack Frost with Niles Fire Department. "In Michigan if it goes boom or up in the air, it's illegal."

The rule hasn't brought sales to an explosive stop.

"They're buying it down in Indiana and bringing it in Michigan," said Frost.

WSBT cameras found Michigan shoppers doing just that.

Workers from the World's Cheapest Fireworks and Boom City say shoppers are aware of the law.

"They know the rules," said Graves.

"They usually buy the small stuff because they're afraid they can't use them over in Michigan," said Ernsperger.

Workers like George Graves said the more restrictive law still won't hurt business.

"As long as the Fourth of July is on a weekend, we're not going to do bad," he said.

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