If shooting off fireworks is part of the plan for your Independence Day celebration, you should take note of changes made to Georgia’s fireworks law. On July 3 and 4, all fireworks use must stop at midnight.
After most types of fireworks were legalized in Georgia in 2015, lawmakers heard a lot of complaints about fireworks disturbing the peace. As a result, the Georgia legislature passed HB 727 to amend the law to set limits on when fireworks may be used. With the exception of the New Year’s holiday and Independence Day, fireworks cannot be used after 9 p.m.
On July 3, July 4, and Dec. 31, fireworks can be used until 11:59 pm. On Jan. 1, fireworks can be used from midnight until 1 a.m. (essentially meaning the night of New Year’s Eve you can use fireworks until an hour after the clock strikes midnight). The city of Dalton’s noise ordinance also has the same exceptions for the Independence Day and New Year’s holidays. Dalton officers will enforce both laws after midnight.
There are also other restrictions set for where fireworks may be used. It is illegal to use fireworks:
- Within 100 yards of a hospital, nursing home, or healthcare facility
- Within 100 yards of an electric plant or water treatment plant
- Within 100 yards of a facility that sells flammable liquids or gases
- Within 100 yards of an electrical substation
- Inside any park, historic site, or recreational area owned by a governing authority without a special permit
It is also unlawful to use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.