WYOMING, USA — Every year, carloads of Coloradans make their way north to buy fireworks that are illegal in Colorado. Any fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in Colorado. So, around the Fourth of July, fireworks sales explode right over the state line in Wyoming.
Just a couple miles into the state, there are a plethora of signs advertising the explosives. At a fireworks store off of Exit 2, the parking lot was filled with Colorado license plates. People told 9NEWS they were there to buy the fireworks they couldn't get in Colorado.
"Of course, we're going to make the drive," Jordan Gelok said. "We love it." Another shopper said, "I don't actually know what the laws are, but you go to fireworks stands in Colorado and get little kid stuff. This is big-time stuff."
While fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in Colorado, depending on where you live, there may be certain types of firecrackers that are permitted such as sparklers, snakes, fountains, tanks, smoke bombs, wheels and ground spinners. Denver and the City of Colorado Springs ban the use and possession of all fireworks.
Shoppers said they knew the laws but also knew police in Colorado hardly ever give out tickets for fireworks.
"I am totally cool with it," Gelok said. "I don't know what the fine is, but I'm willing to find out if they want to test it."
The fine for illegal fireworks depends on where you live. For example, in Denver, penalties for violations are up to $999 in fines and/or court costs and up to one year in jail.
"If I can get through and have a good time, I'm willing to risk it," Gelok said.
While police rarely get involved, it does happen. In June of 2023, Denver police seized $80,000 worth of illegal fireworks from one home.