Johnson County residents can celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang.
Changes to Iowa law in 2025 mean that fireworks can now be used across Johnson County on July 3 and 4. Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin and other communities previously restricted the use of fireworkseven around Independence Day.
Senate File 303 stops county supervisors and city councils from enforcing restrictions on July 3, the Fourth of July, and on New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31. Counties and cities are free to restrict firework use on the remaining 362 days of the year.
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If cities don’t set restrictions, fireworks are legal throughout the summer, between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., June 1 through July 8.
Here’s what to know before you start shooting off fireworks:
Fireworks explode in the air during Iowa City Jazz Fest, Saturday, July 2, 2022, on the Pentacrest in Iowa City, Iowa.
When can fireworks be used under Iowa’s new law?
Despite the broader changes to Iowa law, it’s not legal to shoot off fireworks for the entire 48 hours from July 3 through July 4.
Fireworks are permitted between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on July 3 and 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. everywhere on the Fourth of July, regardless of local restrictions.
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In unincorporated Johnson County, fireworks are permitted between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. between July 3 and July 5. Fireworks can be used at other times, but use requires a permit issued by the county.
What if I use fireworks outside of the permitted dates and times?
The punishment for using fireworks remains unchanged.
Violators are subject to a $250 fineplus court fees and other surcharges.
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Novelty fireworks, including sparklers, are legal.
Fireworks explode in the air during Iowa City Jazz Festival, Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa.
What if my neighbor uses fireworks outside of the permitted dates and times?
Coralville asks that residents “be mindful” of their neighbors, including those with pets, young children or military veterans, and requests that they find ways “to celebrate without the bang.”
Iowa City encourages residents to speak directly to their neighbors about illegal fireworks use. The city does mention the non-emergency line, (319) 256-6800, if residents feel they need to make a report.
When will fireworks shows be held in Johnson County?
Iowa City’s Jazz Festival will be capped off by a fireworks show on Saturday, July 5, beginning around 9:30 p.m.
Coralville will also hold a fireworks show at its 4thFestwith festivities beginning at 9:45 p.m. on Friday, July 4.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Can Johnson Co. residents use fireworks on July 4? New law says ‘yes’
