4th of July Rules and Enforcement
Planning to spend the 4th of July holiday at home in Derby? Please pay close attention to the following information...
Fireworks Sales
Fireworks can be sold in Derby between June 27 and July 5.
Please remember to shoot fireworks where you buy them. Fireworks purchased out of state or outside the city limits may be illegal in the City of Derby. Possession of illegal fireworks, such as bottle rockets, is a misdemeanor and may result in confiscation and/or a fine of up to $500.
Shooting and Selling Fireworks
June 27-July 3 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
July 4 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Fireworks can be shot until midnight)
July 5 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Fireworks Prohibited
Fireworks cannot be shot in the following places:
- Into, under, or on a car, whether moving or standing still.
- On a public roadway or the right-of-way adjacent to a public roadway (this includes residential streets).
- Within 100 feet of any retail fireworks stand or facility where fireworks are stored.
- Within 100 feet of any gasoline pump, filling station, or any building in which gasoline or flammable liquids are sold in quantities of more than one gallon, except in locations where flammables are handled in sealed containers only.
Enforcement
The Derby Police Department responds to calls from the public concerning illegal use of fireworks.
To report illegal use of fireworks, please call the Derby Police Department non-emergency line at 788-1557.
The most frequent complaint received by the Police Department involves instances of fireworks being used outside of the permitted dates and times.
Police officers have three options to enforce violations of these restrictions. Options include:
1) advice and warning;
2) confiscation of fireworks; or
3) issuance of a citation and notice to appear in municipal court. Violation of the fireworks ordinance is a Class C misdemeanor, unless otherwise specified. Penalty for violation is up to $500 in fines and up to one month in jail.
Officers have the authority to issue citations on violations that they personally observe. When responding to a call involving a violation observed by a third party (calling party), the officer must rely on the third party to sign the citation and appear as a witness in Municipal Court.
In situations where the third party does not want to be contacted by the officer or refuses to sign the citation, the officer will verbally warn those violating the fireworks ordinance of the consequences of their actions. In most cases, verbally warning a person that they are in violation of the ordinance solves the problem. If not, then a citation will be issued.
Questions? Please call the Derby Police Department at 788-1557.
Questions or comments? Please email webmaster@derbyweb.com.
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