3 things you need to know about using fireworks at home
Dozens of fireworks stands are just over the border in Wisconsin and Indiana, but Illinois has some of the strictest rules in the nation about what kinds of devices can be bought and used.
Here are a few things to know:
Q. What's legal in Illinois?
A. State law prohibits the sale, purchase and use of what it calls "consumer fireworks" - among them, bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers or missiles. Novelty fireworks, which includes sparklers, smoke devices, cap guns or noisemakers, are allowed. A few types of more powerful fireworks are allowed by those who obtain a fireworks permit from their county or town.
Q. What happens if I violate the law?
A. If you're charged and found guilty, you could get sentenced to a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail. Municipalities can also enact their own penalties. And if someone gets hurt or property is damaged, you can be sued.
Q. Can I buy fireworks in other states?
A. Not if you're going to use them in Illinois. Many Illinois residents make "an annual pilgrimage" to buy fireworks over the border, said Vince Siegel, owner of American Fireworks, a Wisconsin-based chain of three fireworks stores and 12 tent locations.
Siegel requires buyers to sign a disclaimer saying they're going to comply with the laws of their state or destination.
"I consider fireworks a draw for tourism in Wisconsin," he said. "There's fireworks, cheese and our state parks."
Q. What happens if I bring fireworks back to Illinois?
A. Along with fireworks being illegal to use in Illinois, it's also a federal offense to bring fireworks across state lines. Sgt. Matt Boerwinkle, spokesman for the Illinois State Police, said troopers will be on heightened alert this weekend for traffic safety violations and transportation of illegal fireworks.