Shooting Off Fireworks in the City of Dubuque is STILL Prohibited

You've seen the tents popping up in parking lots all over the city of Dubuque.  Some of those tents even have a large gorilla balloon to grab your attention.  Most have the word FIREWORKS in big bold letters.

While it IS legal to sell and buy fireworks within the Dubuque city limits...use of those fireworks within city limits is STRICKLY PROHIBITED.  If you want to read the exact law covering this it's below.  But in short, most fireworks are illegal to use in the city

Under current City Code, the discharge/use of “consumer fireworks” remains prohibited in Dubuque. Consumer fireworks typically have packaging stating “Consumer Fireworks, 1.4G, UN0336.” The City of Dubuque continues to allow the use of “novelty fireworks” such as party poppers, snappers, drop pops, snakes, and some sparklers. Novelty fireworks may not have more than 0.25 grains of explosive mixture and must state on their packaging “not subject to D.O.T. Hazardous Materials Regulations.”

Iowa legislation permits the sale and use of fireworks during limited dates – unless a city or county chooses to otherwise restrict or prohibit usage of fireworks, which the City of Dubuque does.

This doesn't mean you can't celebrate America's birthday and the 4th of July weekend.  It just means you'll have to leave the city limits to use most fireworks or risk a fine. Any violation of the City’s ordinance limiting or prohibiting fireworks constitutes a simple misdemeanor with a fine no less than $250. Residents who wish to report illegal fireworks should call the non-emergency dispatch number, 563-589-4415.

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!