Cops: Leave Fireworks to the Pros

The Crime Prevention Unit offers the following information for a fun and safe 4th of July holiday:

Independence Day is a time for barbeques, fun with family and friends and exciting fireworks displays. Unfortunately, too many citizens end up spending their 4th of July visiting hospital emergency rooms after accidents that occurred due to the improper handling of fireworks. 

Please be aware of the fireworks laws:

• Any person who sells, offers, displays for sale or possesses fireworks with the intent to sell is guilty of a fourth-degree crime and is subject to a fine of $7,500 and/or a jail sentence of up to 18 months.
• Any person who purchases, uses, discharges, causes to be discharged, ignites, fires, or otherwise sets in action or possesses any fireworks is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense and is subject to a maximum fine of $500 and/or a jail sentence of up to 30 days.
• Sparklers and novelty items such as trick noisemakers, smoke grenades, Flash-Bangs as well as firecrackers, Roman candles, rockets, and similar devices are all illegal in New Jersey. Do not be fooled by a salesperson who tries to tell you that they are authorized to be sold by mail-order houses, sold in other states or are permitted to be shipped by the U.S. Department of Transportation. In New Jersey, only paper or plastic caps for use in toy guns are legal.

 at The display begins at dusk, so bring a blanket and enjoy the show. Be safe this 4th of July and leave the fireworks to the pros.