Use of Fireworks on the Outer Banks

North Carolina prohibits the possession of any pyrotechnics which launch or propel into the air, or which explode making a sound or "report." Sparklers, fountains and ground displays are allowed only with adult supervision and when exercising extreme caution and fire prevention. Fireworks are illegal in Dare County, including all towns and villages. More information about individual villages is listed below.

Nags Head

Effective January 9, 2008, the use of all fireworks is banned in the Town of Nags Head. Any pyrotechnic device that leaves the ground or explodes is already illegal in the State of NC. This Ordinance clarifies that ALL fireworks, from sparklers on up, are illegal in the Town. Duck and Hatteras Island have the same restrictions.

If a person is found using fireworks, a state citation will be issued which requires a MANDATORY court appearance and a possible fine up to $500!

Duck

It is unlawful for any person to use, ignite or explode any firecracker, torpedo, sky rocket, sparkler, or other substance or device that contains any explosive or flammable compound or substance, and is intended or commonly known as fireworks, and which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, fires projectiles or discharges sparks into the air.

Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall be fined $250.

Southern Shores

The Southern Shores Town Council adopted a resolution on Fireworks calling for strict enforcement of North Carolina State Law with respect to prohibited fireworks. This action is a direct result of serious injuries and fires (structures and grass) on the Outer Banks caused by fireworks. State Law bans buying, selling, possessing and discharging fireworks that detonate or explode, spin, or propel themselves through the air.

The Town of Southern Shores will enforce this law throughout the year. Violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $1,000 or up to 30 days incarceration.

Kitty Hawk

North Carolina Law Prohibits Discharge of Fireworks By Individuals. North Carolina Law prohibits the possession or discharge of any pyrotechnic that explodes, spires, or propels themselves through the air. The law is specifically stipulated in North Carolina General Statutes 14-410 and 14-414. Violation of this State Law is a Class 2 Misdemeanor.

During the July 4 Holiday, please be aware of this State Law and do not be surprised if you are visited by a law enforcement officer if you explode, spire, or propel fireworks. Instead of running the risk of being cited for violating a North Carolina Law, please enjoy one of the organized, licensed, and legal fireworks displays being planned by various local governments in the area.

Kill Devil Hills

N.C. state law prohibits any fireworks that propel an object or that explode. Permissible fireworks emit only sparks or smoke from a stationary position. Please refer to our the Adobe file, Fireworks Safety, on the Fire Department page, to learn more about fireworks safety.

Roanoke Island

Discharge of fireworks: No shooting of firecrackers, sky rockets, Roman candles or other fireworks of any description is permitted within the town limits by any person.

Hatteras Island

Cape Hatteras National Seashore prohibits the use or possession of fireworks in all national parks, which includes all of Hatteras Island. NO fireworks will be available at beach stores in Hatteras Island, which recently passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale and/or use of ALL fireworks on Hatteras Island.

Ocracoke Island

The use of fireworks is prohibited on Ocracoke Island.

Corolla

The use of fireworks is prohibited in Corolla.

Though it is not permitted for individuals to launch their own fireworks on the Outer Banks beaches, a number of public displays are offered throughout the Outer Banks for your enjoyment.

Click here for information on public fireworks displays held throughout the Outer Banks during the Fourth of July Holiday.