Driving out in the country in Rutherford County, you can already see the fireworks going off. The excitement of the new year is upon us, however, there are rules for when you can shoot them off. According to Murfreesboro City Code, you can only use fireworks between certain hours in the State of Tennessee:
Sunday, Dec. 31
10 a.m. – 12 a.m. (midnight)
Monday, Jan. 1
12:01 a.m. (midnight) – 1 a.m.
10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where You Can Shoot Fireworks
Davidson County
It is illegal to shoot them off without a permit. You can purchase and be in possession of them, but you’ll have to leave the county to shoot them off.
Rutherford County
Fireworks are allowed within the county except in Murfreesboro. There are even more rules for city residents to know about, too. According the City of Murfreesboro, “It is unlawful for anyone in the City of Murfreesboro to sell, use, or possess any mortar firework with a single tube, if that tube has been preloaded with a shell and the tube or shell has a diameter of one and a half inches. Anyone in the city limits is also prohibited from selling, using, or possessing reloadable fireworks and bottle rockets.”
Sumner County
Fireworks are allowed within the county except in Hendersonville or Gallatin.
Williamson County
Fireworks can be used in this county except in Brentwood or Franklin and within 600 feet of a church, hospital, school, etc. According to the City of Franklin, all fireworks (even sparklers) are illegal.
If you do choose to set off your own, be extremely cautious. Here are some safety tips to check out:
- Fireworks packaged in brown paper are made for professional displays – avoid buying.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, especially with sparklers.
- Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire and to douse used fireworks before discarding in trash.
- Never allow young children to play or ignite fireworks.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- Never try to re-light or pickup fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never place a part of your body directly over a firework device when lighting.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
