During late June and into early July driving across the state of Missouri you can’t help but see fireworks stands at various gas stations and strip malls. Fireworks sales are legal from June 20 – July 10 by permitted sellers.

However, those fireworks purchased legally may still be illegal to detonate in your municipality. The rules per county and individual city differ and knowing when and what you can set off to celebrate Independence Day is important.

For example, it is illegal to set off recreational fireworks within the city limits of St. Louis and the county limits of St. Louis County. Fireworks are banned in the 91 municipalities within St. Louis County.

Moving across the river to St. Charles County, different rules apply depending on the location. St. Charles City only allows the use of recreational fireworks, but only on July 3^rd and 4^th. As for the county, fireworks may be illuminated during certain hours from July 2 to July 5.

The city of St. Peters does not permit the use of fireworks, whereas O’Fallon, Lake St. Louis, and the City of Wentzville specify only on July 3 and July 4.

If you reside in the city of Fenton on the St. Louis County side fireworks are not allowed, but if you are located within Jefferson County, you may set off your firecrackers as you please. The City of Festus only allows the detonation of bottle rockets and other legal explosives on the 4^th of July. Arnold has a long firework “season,” premising the use of fireworks from June 25 – July 4^th.

If you are considering crossing the Mississippi to set off fireworks, don't. It is illegal to set off fireworks in the entire state. According to Illinoispolicy.org, only sparklers and smoke bombs are legal. 

Illinois is one of three states, along with Massachusetts and Vermont that limit or ban fireworks completely.