Can you legally transport 1.4G fireworks across state lines by car?

[Michael]

#5840

Quick question that I’ve been getting mixed answers on. I’m driving from South Carolina to Ohio for a family reunion and want to bring some cakes and shells I bought. Total maybe 50-60 pounds of 1.4G consumer stuff.

I know DOT has hazmat regulations for commercial transport but what about personal vehicles? Some people tell me as long as it’s for personal use and you’re not selling it’s fine. Others say you need hazmat placards if crossing state lines.

I called highway patrol in a couple states and got different answers each time. Kentucky said it’s fine, West Virginia said I need some kind of permit.

Anyone actually done this and had issues? What’s the real rule here?

[Michael]

#5843

I’ve made this drive a few times from PA to TN with a trunk full of cakes and shells. Never had an issue tbh. Just keep everything in your trunk, don’t have it visible, and don’t give cops a reason to pull you over. The main thing to watch is which states you’re passing through – some like MA and NJ are way stricter. I avoid driving through those with anything in the car.

[Michael]

#5844

The short answer is yes for personal use quantities under 66 lbs gross weight – DOT exempts those. But state laws vary a lot. There’s a thread in the Rules & Regulations section that breaks down the state-by-state differences if you want the full picture. Main thing: original packaging, trunk or locked box, and know the laws of every state you’re passing through.

[Author]

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