inkjet Posted March 29, 2007 Posted March 29, 2007 So, I'm trying to make sure of what is legal in my area. All I'm interested in doing is making small KNO3/Sugar rockets and maybe some KNO3/sugar/wax smoke devices. I can't seem to find anything on the ATF website, it's quite confusing. And also, i know that the local laws also apply, who in my city would I ask? I know if I went to the police station and asked, they'd just look at me and probably tell me no, because they don't know anything about it. In the Crackerjack's getting legal seminar, it said that smoke devices along with all signal devices don't require a BATF license, but rockets aren't mentioned. I'm not too interested in getting a license, mainly because of the magazine requirement, inspections, and the tedious recordkeeping. So my question is, what is the legality of KNO3/Sugar rockets and smoke in general, and who in my area would i ask on the local laws? and also, i do live out of city limits with an acre and a half of land. Thanks!
Mumbles Posted March 29, 2007 Posted March 29, 2007 The person to ask would be the fire chief/fire marshall. Call or write a letter. Ask about the legallity of fireworks and rocketry in your area, and any laws on the books about explosive manufacture. If you go in and ask, and they tell you it's not legal, ask them to point you to the legislature or code that specifically disallows it. Just because they don't feel like dealing with you doesn't mean you have to take it. You might actually be able to find something in the local library or online about your town's laws. By default anything you make is considered class B, and therefor is rarely legal to set off without proper licences. If you don't have proper storage (magazine), you are supposed to dispose of within the day of manufacture. For small items I doubt they will give you any problems, but it's always better to be safe than sorry, especially with pissy neighbors. Heres a state by state break down:http://www.americanpyro.com/State%20Laws%2.../statelaws.html
tentacles Posted March 30, 2007 Posted March 30, 2007 A lot of libraries, you can submit questions to the reference staff and they will research it for you and at least point you where books/etc you need to look in.
inkjet Posted March 30, 2007 Author Posted March 30, 2007 Argh, sometimes i really hate living in California. No 1.4g, only safe 'n sane. But i guess if it's perfectly legal to set off an estes rocket in my backyard any time of the year, I have a chance. I'll send a letter or contact the fire marshall, as it's worth a try. I might even try the reference staff, that sounds like an interesting idea i wouldn't have thought of. I'd like to make sure whatever i'm doing is perfectly legal, so if i ever get hassled i can't get tossed into jail for "making bombs". I don't really plan on storing these rockets/smoke devices, so i don't really think it'll be necassary to build a magazine. My neighbors are typically ok, but of course, i'd always like to take cautions. Thanks very much for the help!
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