LAWRENCE COUNTY— Police officers want the public to be responsible and enjoy the 4th of July holiday.
On July 4, the state-allowed fireworks hours start at 9 a.m. and go until midnight under Indiana Code 22-11-14-6.
Fireworks can be set off any other day of the year from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. unless a local ordinance restricts those times.
However, local ordinances cannot restrict holiday times. The City of Bedford has an ordinance; Lawrence County does not.
Fireworks are legal for purchase only by those over the age of 18.
Sheriff Greg Day states that those violating Indiana fireworks laws can be charged with a Class C infraction. However, if a person recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses fireworks that damage property, they can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally uses a firework that causes serious bodily injury commits a Level 5 felony, and if it causes death, it is a Level 5 felony offense.
Officials say July 4 is the busiest day of the year for 911 calls.The community is reminded NOT to call 911 to report fireworks being set off, violating the permitted hours.
Bedford Police Chief Terry Moore and Sheriff Day said officers will respond to calls.
Both departments will respond as appropriate if they receive complaints.
“If we receive a complaint, we always try to educate the public on the ordinance,” added Chief Moore. “General, that resolves the issue.”
According to the City of Bedford Noise Ordinance 131.08:
(11) Noises associated with legal consumer fireworks used during the times Indiana Code prohibits regulation by municipalities, which are as follows:
(a) Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. until two hours after sunset on June 29th to July 3rd;
(b) Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to midnight on July 4;
(c) Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. until two hours after sunset on July 5 to July 9; and
(d) Between 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
According to the ordinance, any person who violates shall pay a fine of $25 per violation if paid within ten days of the violation and $50 after that to be paid within 30 days of the violation date.
Suppose the person who is issued an ordinance violation citation wishes to deny the violation or fails to pay the violation within 30 days of the date of the breach. The citation shall be dismissed from the Ordinance Violations Bureau in that case. It shall be re-filed with the Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office or the City Attorney for filing as a separate cause of action in the appropriate Court.
“As with all holidays and special events, we ask that you please celebrate responsibly,” added Sheriff Day. “Please be mindful of your neighbors and be sure to only set fireworks off at the appropriate designated times allowed by law. Remember that fireworks can traumatize children, pets, and others, so a little common courtesy goes a long way.”
