As a general rule, consumer fireworks are not legal in Illinois. The Pyrotechnic Use Act, passed in 1942, bans the sale, possession and use of all consumer fireworks. These items are legal to buy in most other states but not in Illinois:
- Firecrackers
- Bottle rockets
- Roman candles
Violations of this law can result in large fines or even jail time, especially in cases where the fireworks are bought in from another state and transported across state lines. Illinois is one of only three states to ban all or most consumer fireworks.
Also, certain municipalities and villages may have additional laws on the books to limit the usage of devices the PUA deemed as legal.