Legal Services

	"I heard through the grapevine that the operator of a local fireworks stand claimed he was going to sell fireworks even if the county adopted an order restricting them. If this happens, what can we do about it?"

What kinds of restrictions can the commissioners court impose on the sale or use of fireworks? What kinds of penalties can be imposed for violating the county's order?

If the court decides to adopt an order, the order may prohibit or restrict the sale or use of "restricted fireworks," which are defined as "skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins" in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, §173.100(r)(2) in effect on Oct. 1, 1986. Under Local Government Code §352.051(i), a violation of the order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. For more information, see the Burn Ban, Regulation of Fireworks, and Declaration of Local Disaster publication.