U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – As the territory approaches the summer season and the Fourth of July holiday, the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) reminds the public of the importance of adhering to local laws governing the sale, possession, and use of fireworks. These laws are designed to protect individuals, property, and emergency personnel.
Below is the applicable section of the Virgin Islands Code:
U.S. Virgin Islands Code
Title 23 – Internal Security and Public Order
Chapter 9 – Fire Prevention Code
Subchapter VI – Fireworks (§§ 731 — 733)
§ 733. Exceptions
Universal Citation: V.I. Code tit. 23 V.I.C. § 733
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit any resident wholesaler, dealer, or jobber to sell at wholesale such fireworks as are not herein prohibited; or the sale of any kind of fireworks provided the same are to be shipped directly out of the Virgin Islands; or the use of fireworks by railroads or other transportation agencies for signal purposes or illumination, or the sale or use of blank cartridges for a show or theatre, or for signal or ceremonial purposes in athletics or sports, or for use by military organizations.
(a) The manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within the Virgin Islands.
(b) Except as hereinafter provided it shall be unlawful for any person to offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any fireworks. The Commissioner may adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the granting of permits for supervised public displays of fireworks by the government of the Virgin Islands, fair associations, amusement parks, and other organizations or groups of individuals. Every such display shall be handled by a competent operator approved by the Commissioner, and shall be of such a character, and so located, discharged or fired as in the opinion of the Commissioner, after proper inspection, shall not be hazardous to property or endanger any person.
(c) Application for permits shall be made in writing at least three days in advance of the date of the display. After such privilege shall have been granted, sale, possession, use and distribution of fireworks for such display shall be lawful for that purpose only. No permit granted hereunder shall be transferable.
Subchapter V – Explosives (§§ 711 — 719)
§ 718. Penalties
Universal Citation: V.I. Code tit. 23 V.I.C. § 718
A person who violates any provision of this act is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both; Provided, That any person found in possession of explosives without a proper permit shall be guilty of a felony and shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both.
For official reference and updates, please visit the Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ official website at: Legislature of the United States Virgin Islands