Plymouth Police Chief: Michigan Fireworks Law 'Opened a Can of Worms'

Michigan's relaxed fireworks laws are causing some noise — and not just the kind that follows bursts of light and color in the sky.

Plymouth Police Chief Al Cox said Monday at a Plymouth City Commission meeting at that the new law, which allows sale, display and use of low-impact and novelty consumer fireworks, "opened a can of worms" and that regulation for loud or bright fireworks will be difficult.

While display fireworks, such as what are seen at municipal fireworks displays, remain illegal for consumers, many consumer-grade fireworks still pack a punch.

"Some of those are very loud, very bright, very big, and they're legal now," Cox said.

Cox was asked by Plymouth Mayor Dan Dwyer to clarify the new law after he heard complaints from residents — and his own family — about loud fireworks.

Cox said more powerful noisemakers, such as M-80s and cherry bombs, remain illegal under Act 256, the fireworks law, as they fall under the category of explosives.

"When those go off, it's very clear," Cox said.

As for other noisemakers and fireworks on the market, Cox said, "Anything goes, so long as it falls under consumer fireworks."

This includes roman candles, bottle rockets, firecrackers and mortars up to a certain size.

"It gets real technical with the weight of the powder, the size of the cylinders," Cox said.

Dwyer emphasized that he's not trying to crack down on fireworks, but was just seeking an interpretation of the law.

Plymouth currently does not have an ordinance no the book prohibiting or restricting the use of fireworks by residents.

Cox, however, said the law — much like Michigan's medical marijuana laws — could be subject to tweaks in the future to allow better enforcement.

And, Cox said, police could try to cite those who prompt excessive complaints with noise ordinance violations, but he admitted he isn't sure if it would hold up in court.