Are fireworks allowed where I live? What are the fireworks laws in my area?

What's the Fourth of July without the rocket's red glare? Can you celebrate Independence Day without fireworks?

In some spots in Alabama, you may have to. Or at least skip the home fireworks in favor of a public show.

In general, lighting fireworks is illegal in Alabama's incorporated towns and cities; fireworks are legal in most unincorporated areas. Some areas also have ordinances related to the times when fireworks are allowed. Other places have noise ordinances that can also apply to fireworks.

If you want specifics for where you live, call your local police or sheriff's non emergency numbers.

What's legal in Alabama?

In Alabama, fireworks such as bottle rockets, fire crackers, sparklers, roman candles, smoke bombs, and wheels and spinners are allowed. Illegal ground salute fireworks with more than two-grains of explosives or any purchased via mail order are not allowed. Cherry Bombs, Silver Salutes, and M-80s have been banned by federal law since 1966 because of the large amounts of explosive composition they contain.

Anyone younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult to purchase fireworks. State law also prohibits fireworks from being sold to someone who appears "intoxicated or irresponsible."

It's also illegal to sell fireworks from tents, from a car or from a trailer pulled by a car. Mobile homes are OK, as long as the buildings are at least 8 feet wide and 32 feet long and the wheels on the bottom have been removed.

The vast majority of states allow some form of consumer fireworks. Three states - Illinois, Ohio and Vermont - only allow wire or wood stick sparkers or novelty items. Massachusetts bans all consumer fireworks.