New Yorkers Face $15,000 Fireworks Fine Or Jail Time Under New July 4 Law

Independence Day week is here, and millions of Americans are getting ready for July 4 celebrations.

This year's holiday is a big one, as the United States marks its 250th birthday. It also falls on a Saturday, which gives many Monday-to-Friday workers a full weekend to celebrate.

For some people, that means cookouts, beach plans, and parties. For others, the holiday still brings one loud tradition: fireworks.

Authorities usually urge people to stick with official public displays, where trained crews handle the fireworks and safety setup.

Even so, some people still choose to set off fireworks at home. That is where the rules can get tricky, because fireworks laws change depending on the state, county, and city.

In Long Beach, New York, the warning is now much harder to ignore. The city's roughly 35,000 residents have been told that setting off fireworks ahead of Independence Day could come with a serious penalty.

Anyone found guilty of a fireworks violation in Long Beach could now face a fine of up to $15,000 or spend up to 15 days behind bars.

Long Beach sits in New York state, where people are not allowed to use, possess, or sell fireworks unless the display is being handled by authorized professionals.

The city's old penalties were far smaller, with fines for a single fireworks violation ranging from $5 to $250. A new City Council law passed earlier this month raised the maximum penalty 60 times higher, turning what used to be a minor ticket into a much more serious legal penalty.

America celebrates its 250th birthday this year Adam Gray/Getty Images

What New York residents need to know

The Long Beach warning also matters because the word "fireworks" can be confusing. Some states allow certain consumer fireworks, while others limit what people can buy or set off at home.

New York's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services says sparkling devices are only legal in counties and cities that have not banned them locally. Nassau County, where Long Beach is located, is listed among the places where the sale and use of sparkling devices is prohibited.

That means residents should not assume a small device is allowed just because it looks less intense than a mortar or rocket. In Long Beach, officials are treating the holiday warning as a public safety issue, not just a noise complaint.

Acting City Police Commissioner Richard DePalma said the city has been dealing with the problem for some time, telling the press: "Fireworks are dangerous. We're inundated with complaints about fireworks."

"These increased penalties, they give us a stronger tool to deter dangerous and reckless behavior before somebody gets seriously hurt."

DePalma said the concern is not limited to small backyard fireworks either. He added: "We're seeing little stuff and we're also seeing the big stuff now. These mortars and these high-powered fireworks are becoming more prevalent."

The acting police commissioner also pointed to the way Long Beach changes during the summer. Good weather brings larger crowds, and Independence Day can make the city feel even more packed.

"We're less than 4 square miles and people live right on top of each other," DePalma added, explaining why powerful fireworks can be a bigger risk in such a tight area.

"With these high-powered fireworks, not only is it dangerous for the people setting them off, it's dangerous for the people surrounding it because there is potential for fire, there's potential for damage, there's potential for injury."

Long Beach, New York Getty Stock Photo

ABC7 reported that some Long Beach residents support the tougher law. Local resident Anthony Daleo said he believes the higher penalties could make people think twice before setting off fireworks.

"I think if you're really looking to stop people, I think that's the way to do it," he said.

"I think a $100 is a slap on the wrist and basically people are going to do it and pay the fine."

So anyone planning a July 4 celebration in Long Beach has been given a clear warning: leave the fireworks to the professionals, or risk a fine that could be far more expensive than the party itself.