Full Notification

With the Independence Day holiday rapidly approaching, more fireworks are being used throughout Hamilton County. Area residents are reminded that Indiana has several laws governing fireworks and many town and cities have additional ordinances that citizens must follow.

In addition to laws, common courtesy when lighting fireworks goes a long way in avoiding neighborhood conflicts. Letting neighbors know your plans is a great idea or, better yet, why not invite your neighbors to join in the fun? Remember, not all your neighbors, especially those with young children, pets, or different work hours, enjoy the loud noises produced by fireworks.

The basic rule of thumb for fireworks use by residents in unincorporated areas of Hamilton County is that fireworks may be ignited from 9am-11pm on most nights with an extension on holidays, including Memorial Day. Fireworks may only be used on a person’s own property or on the property of a person who has given permission. Lighting fireworks in a street or in a parking lot is not permitted. Juveniles under the age of 18 must have an adult present to use or possess fireworks.

Towns and cities may have further restrictions on times or locations fireworks may be used so residents should seek advice from local agencies. If there are problems with neighbors and fireworks or noise, please call the non-emergency dispatch number at 317-773-1282.

Indiana State Law (IC 22-11-14-6) Violations; offenses; time and dates of allowable usage of consumer fireworks

Sec. 6. (a) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally violates section 2(f), 4.5, 5(c), 5(d), 7, 8(a), 8(c), 8(d), 10, or 11(c) of this chapter commits a Class A misdemeanor.

(b) A person who ignites, discharges, or uses consumer fireworks at a site other than:
(1) a special discharge location;
(2) the property of the person; or
(3) the property of another who has given permission to use the consumer fireworks;
commits a Class C infraction. However, if a person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally takes an action described in this subsection within five (5) years after the person previously took an action described in this subsection, whether or not there has been a judgment that the person committed an infraction in taking the previous action, the person commits a Class C misdemeanor.

(c) A person less than eighteen (18) years of age who possesses or uses a firework when an adult is not present and responsible at the location of the possession or use commits a Class C infraction. However, if a person possesses or uses a firework when an adult is not present and responsible at the location of the possession or use within five (5) years after a previous possession or use by the person as described in this subsection, whether or not there has been a judgment that the person committed an infraction in the previous possession or use, the pe rson commits a delinquent act under IC 31-37.

(d) A person who ignites, discharges, or uses consumer fireworks:
(1) after 11 p.m. except on a holiday (as defined in IC 1-1-9-1(a)) or December 31, on which dates consumer fireworks may not be ignited, discharged, or used after midnight; or
(2) before 9 a.m.;
commits a Class C infraction. However, if a person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally takes an action described in this subsection within five (5) years after the person previously took an action described in this subsection, whether or not there has been a judgment that the person committed an infraction in taking the previous action, the person commits a Class C misdemeanor.

(e) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and the violation causes harm to the property of a person commits a Class A misdemeanor.

(f) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and t he violation results in serious bodily injury to a person commits a Level 6 felony.

(g) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses consumer fireworks and the violation results in the death of a person commits a Level 5 felony.

(h) A person who knowingly or intentionally fails to collect or remit to the state the public safety fees due under section 12 of this chapter commits a Level 6 felony.

City Ordinances -
Westfield:
The Council does now prohibit the use of fireworks within the City of Westfield at all times and locations with the exception of the following dates and times:
(A) Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and two (2) hours after sunset on June 29, June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8, and July 9;
(B) Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on July 4; and
(C) Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
(D) Any other time and location duly authorized by the City of Westfield by permit to be obtained prior to the scheduled event.

Fishers:
It shall be unlawful to use or display or permit to be used or displayed within Fishers' municipal boundaries any type of consumer firework on any day or time other than the following:
(A) Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and two hours after sunset on June 29, June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8, and July 9;
(B) Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on July 4; and
(C) Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.

Noblesville:
City of Noblesville Ordinance #50-10-09 states that consumer fireworks may only be used in the Noblesville city limits during the following days and times:
1. Between the hours of 5pm and two hours after sunset on June 29, June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8, and July 9.
2. Between the hours of 10am and 12 midnight on July 4
3. Between the hours of 10am on December 31 and 1am on January 1.

Carmel:
Legal consumer fireworks can be shot off:
Between the hours of 5 p.m. and midnight on the following days:
• June 29, June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3
• July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8, July 9
Between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight on July 4th.
Between the hours of 10 a.m. on December 31st and 1 a.m. on January 1st.