Celebrating New Year's Day with Fireworks? Michigan Law Allows It
The start of the new year is among the 10 national holidays on which the state permits fireworks use.
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This New Year's Day may be one of the noisiest on record for Michigan, thanks to revisions in state fireworks laws approved in 2012.
The start of the new year is included on the list of national holidays for which the use of these colorful explosives is permitted by state law.
Under Michigan's controversial fireworks law, citizens can ignite, discharge and use consumer fireworks the day before, day of and day after a national holiday, including New Year's Day. The list of approved fireworks now includes "projectiles," such as bottle rockets and Roman Candles.
The 10 national holidays recognized by the law include:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- President's Day or Washington's Birthday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Many state residents and leaders — including those in the White Lake and Highland area — have expressed frustration with the Fireworks Safety Act of 2011.
The law was designed to increase revenue to the state and encourage citizens to buy consumer fireworks in Michigan rather than in neighboring states.
Mark J Smith
9:21 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
Ok, so what frustration is being expressed? Against restrictive days? Still does not allow fireworks that are available in neighboring states? Personally, I don't have a problem with the new law. We have had people shooting off fireworks and guns throughout the year and the new law has not made any difference. I don't mind the noise at night but what law allows shooting at 7am on Sunday mornings?
Brooke Tajer
9:22 am on Monday, December 31, 2012
The police departments have received several noise complaints about fireworks and there are some who have said they don't like all of the noise because it scares their dogs or wakes up their kids.