If you’ve been hearing fireworks since long before New Year’s Eve, this city’s move could make you smile.
A new Buckeye ordinance may help to deter people from setting off illegal fireworks too early or too late in the day (or on the wrong day entirely).
Most cities have ordinances that allow for fireworks during certain hours on select holidays throughout the year, often with extended hours around the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve.
Buckeye, along with a number of other metro Phoenix cities, are beginning to crack down on the use of illegal fireworks.
The Buckeye City Council passed a city code amendment Tuesday that doubles the previous fine.
What changed in Buckeye’s city code?
Buckeye’s code states fireworks can be used only on certain holidays, including some days around New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July and Diwali.
Fireworks can’t be used between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. except on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, when they can be used between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.
The penalty for violating the city’s fireworks code was previously a class 3 misdemeanor, resulting in up to $500 in fines and a maximum of 20 days in jail. It was one of the least severe penalties in Arizona.
Those selling fireworks without a sign displaying the permitted dates and times to use fireworks also could face up to $500 in fines.
But now, there might be more of an incentive to follow those fireworks rules.
Under the amended new city code, anyone violating the fireworks rules could face a $1,000 fine. The violation no longer will be classified as a criminal misdemeanor.
All of the rules regarding the sale of fireworks, as well as the dates and times that they can be used, remain the same.
A Buckeye representative said that the city code change gets Buckeye up to speed with penalties meted out by other cities in the area.
The Buckeye Police Department actually received fewer fireworks complaints during the recent holiday season, the city spokesperson said.
Reach the reporter at ahardle@gannett.com or by phone at 480-708-1633. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @AlexandraHardle.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Buckeye doubles its fine for illegal fireworks. What to know