Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 836: Transportation of fireworks into State prohibiting sale or use

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to transport fireworks into a state where their sale or use is prohibited, knowing they will be dealt with illegally. Violations can result in fines and imprisonment up to one year.

Read the full statutory text
Whoever, otherwise than in the course of continuous interstate transportation through any State, transports fireworks into any State, or delivers them for transportation into any State, or attempts so to do, knowing that such fireworks are to be delivered, possessed, stored, transshipped, distributed, sold, or otherwise dealt with in a manner or for a use prohibited by the laws of such State specifically prohibiting or regulating the use of fireworks, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. This section shall not apply to a common or contract carrier or to international or domestic water carriers engaged in interstate commerce or to the transportation of fireworks into a State for the use of Federal agencies in the carrying out or the furtherance of their operations. In the enforcement of this section, the definitions of fireworks contained in the laws of the respective States shall be applied. As used in this section, the term “State” includes the several States, Territories, and possessions of the United States, and the District of Columbia. This section shall be effective from and after July 1, 1954 . the transportation of fireworks into any State or Territory for use solely for agricultural purposes, the delivery of fireworks for transportation into any State or Territory for use solely for agricultural purposes, or any attempt to engage in any such transportation or delivery for use solely for agricultural purposes, until sixty days have elapsed after the commencement of the next regular session of the legislature of such State or Territory which begins after the date of enactment of this Act [ June 4, 1954 ].”

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.