Thinking of Bringing Fireworks Into NYS? Think Twice
This week I was interviewed on a radio show in Binghamton. An unusual question came up. I was asked about what it could mean for someone if they brought illegal fireworks across state lines.
[Excerpted Traci Taylor, 98.1 The Hawk]Fireworks Across State Lines
Broome County is in such close proximity to the Pennsylvania border that it isn’t uncommon to see people with New York license plates driving through Pennsylvania towns. Often in the vicinity of fireworks stores.
…A friend recently told me that she used to buy fireworks when she was on vacation in New Hampshire and bring them back to New York. [She would be] clutching the wheel in fear the entire ride home not because she was worried that she would be pulled over and busted for transporting fireworks. [She was even] worried someone might slam into the back of her car and set them off.
What IS legal for fireworks?
Sparklers are legal in New York, with the exception of in New York City. But all other fireworks are still illegal. Understanding New York’s Fireworks law can feel like trying to decode the taps of morse code while having your ears covered. So, we took all of the important parts of the law and broke everything down. [Let’s] put the law into terms that make sense to the average person.
The Penalties Are Stiff
Maybe you’re thinking that if you get caught bringing fireworks across the state line you’ll get away with just a slap on the wrist. While you might get lucky and that may be your only consequence, it could be a lot worse. Under New York Penal Code § 270.00, you can be charged with unlawfully dealing with fireworks and dangerous fireworks. It states if you “possess, explode, sell or furnish fireworks” in the state of New York unless you’ve got your ducks in a row and have the proper permits.
What kind of penalty might you get? A bigger than a “slap on the wrist, confiscate your fireworks and let you drive off” kind. We’re talking a misdemeanor or worse, a felony.
New York Penal Code § 270.00, Section B states,
Except as herein otherwise stated, or except where a permit is obtained pursuant to § 405.00, any person who shall possess, use, explode or cause to explode any fireworks or dangerous fireworks is guilty of a violation.
But wait, there’s more. Section C of New York Penal Code § 270.00 states,
Possession of fireworks or dangerous fireworks valued at fifty dollars or more shall be a presumption that such fireworks were intended to be offered or exposed for sale.
According to the law offices of Stephen Bilkis,
A misdemeanor is up to 1 year in jail, and for a class E felony is up to 4 years in prison. You may also be required to pay a fine. For a violation, the penalty is up to 15 days in jail. A violation is not a crime.
In June of 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo teamed up with New York State Police to crack down on fireworks being brought across state lines by everyday people like you and me. While the reality is that it’s more likely you’ll be handed a find of a couple hundred dollars, class B misdemeanor and the fine is a whole lot bigger. Get caught sneaking in fireworks enough times and you’ll find yourself with three hots and a cot.
Getting Caught With Fireworks
Let’s say you make it home without getting caught with fireworks, you’re in the clear, right? Maybe not. If someone gets hurt on your property or there’s damage to your property because of fireworks, you might be opening another big can of worms. Lawyer Joe Stanley of Stanley Law explained the potential consequences to us:
Even if you have homeowners insurance and you hurt somebody, you are also responsible because you are engaging in an ultra hazardous activity. That’s illegal also. And, whether you injure someone physically or whether you damage property, you’re responsibl. I can assure you, your homeowners insurance will not take it lightly. Then when your renewal comes up you’re considered responsible. You’ll be sorry. They’re usually big claims. – Personal Injury Attorney Joe Stanley
So, before you load your trunk with fireworks and cross the state line, really think about whether the consequence of being caught is worth it.
Thank You to Townsquare Media and Traci Taylor of 98.1 The Hawk. Read More: Sneaking Fireworks Into New York Could Mean Jail Time | https://981thehawk.com/are-fireworks-illegal-in-new-york/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
Stanley Law Offices is a personal injury firm based in Upstate New York (Syracuse, NY) but also has offices in Binghamton and Montrose, PA (as well as Rochester and Watertown, NY). So if you’re ever in trouble, hurt in a serious accident, and just don’t know where to turn, call Joe. Cuz Joe Knows. And he and his Team at Stanley Law will be there for you. 1-800-608-3333.
