GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — People lighting off fireworks in the city during the holidays will have tighter restrictions to keep in mind.
Tuesday morning, Grand Rapids city commissioners voted to put time restrictions on fireworks use. It is now illegal to light off fireworks in Grand Rapids between midnight and 8 a.m. on July 3, 4, and 5.
Anyone caught lighting off fireworks during those late-night and early morning hours on those dates will face a civil infraction, Grand Rapids City Attorney Catherine Mish said.
This is a change to the 2012 ordinance, which allowed fireworks use at any time during the 72 hours surrounding a holiday (July 3, 4, and 5).
Mish said a recent change in state law prompted the city to add time restrictions. The new time restrictions bring the city into compliance with the new state law, she said.
In early June, state lawmakers passed legislation allowing bans of late-night use of fireworks with a potential fine of $500.
Mish said, the city’s new time restriction apply to all other holidays throughout the year.
