In the state of Georgia, local governments are generally allowed to choose how they regulate the use of fireworks within their boundaries. In most circumstances, individuals will not have any problems shooting off fireworks in unincorporated areas around Georgia on New Year’s Eve. However, for residents who live in cities that have decided to regulate fireworks, there is some reprieve on New Year’s Eve – Georgia law specifically allows for statewide fireworks celebrations on specific holidays, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
What Georgia Law Says
No law in Georgia prohibits the use of fireworks. In fact, the use of fireworks is permitted anywhere in Georgia from 10:00 AM to 11:59 PM on any day unless the use of such fireworks violates local jurisdiction rules and regulations.
The law does get a little nuanced by stipulating that any noise ordinances passed after the Georgia fireworks law went into place (July 1st, 2018) will not be sufficient to prohibit fireworks in any jurisdiction that passes those laws, so long as they are shut off during the legal time frames.
For jurisdictions that do have laws regulating fireworks, state law overrides the local municipal laws on certain days of the year. Under Georgia firework laws, consumers are allowed to shoot off fireworks until 11:59 PM on:
- January 1st
- The last Saturday and Sunday in May (before Memorial Day)
- July 3rd and 4th
- Labor Day
- New Year’s Eve
Even if fireworks are allowed based on Georgia law or local municipal laws, there may be additional restrictions on where individuals can shoot off fireworks. We strongly encourage you to contact the local jurisdiction where you wish to shoot off fireworks and ask about any regulations that could affect your firework activities.
When we examine information available from the Marietta municipal government, we can see that there are places where fireworks are prohibited in Georgia. Specifically, fireworks cannot be used within 100 yards of a hospital, nursing home, or other health facility. Additionally, the use of fireworks is prohibited within 100 yards of the following:
- Any electric plant or public or private electric substation
- Facilities engaged in the production or processing of any flammable liquids or gases
- Facilities engaged in the sale of gasoline or other combustible liquids or gases where volumes are stored in excess of 500 gallons
- Any water treatment or water waste treatment plants
- Airports or helipads
Remain Careful With Your Fireworks
Every year, thousands of individuals sustain injuries as a result of firework mishaps, and fireworks are also responsible for an average of 19,000 fires each year, according to the National Safety Council. We encourage you to thoroughly review firework safety guidelines online before using fireworks yourself or allowing your friends or family members to use fireworks.
Be Safe. We’re Here if an Injury Occurs
We want you to be safe this New Year’s Eve and into the new year. However, if you or somebody you love sustain an injury this month caused by the negligent actions of another individual or entity, reach out to an attorney in Coweta County who specializes in personal injury as soon as possible. We offer free consultations for injury claims, and we are here to help.