Department of Public Safety
Office of the State Fire Marshall
State of Maine
Fireworks Banned Under Federal Law
- M-80s
- Cherry Bombs
- Any firecrackers containing more than 50 milligrams (about 1/16th of the weight of a typical aspirin tablet) of powder
- Large, re-loadable shells
- Aerial Bombs
- Mail order kits for building fireworks
In March of 1997, a new CPSC standard that bans large, unstable, multiple-tube fireworks took effect. This standard is designed to eliminate the deadly tip-over hazard that has killed two innocent bystanders, including a 3 year old boy, at family celebrations.
Illegal Explosive Devices from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Fireworks Are legal in the State of Maine with some exceptions as described below.
Under Chapter 416 "An Act to Legalize the Sale, Possession and Use of Fireworks", fireworks have been broken into three categories as follows:
- Consumer Fireworks
- Fireworks
- Display or Commercial Grade Fireworks
1. "Consumer Fireworks" has the same meaning as in 27 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 555.11 or subsequent provision, but includes only products that are tested and certified by a 3rd-party testing laboratory as conforming with United States Consumer Product Safety Commission standards, in accordance with 15 United States Code, Chapter 47. "Consumer fireworks" does not include the following products which are illegal to sell, use or possess in Maine:
A. Missile-type rockets, as defined by the State Fire Marshal by rule;
B. Helicopters and aerial spinners, as defined by the State Fire Marshal by rule; and
C. Sky rockets and bottle rockets. For purposes of this paragraph, "sky rockets and bottle rockets" means cylindrical tubes containing not more than 20 grams of chemical composition, as defined by the State Fire Marshal by rule, with a wooden stick attached for guidance and stability that rise into the air upon ignition and that may produce a burst of color or sound at or near the height of flight.
Sky lanterns (also known as floating or Chinese lanterns) are illegal to use, buy, sell or possess in Maine: Fact Sheet (PDF, 1 page, 51 KB)
