If you ring in Independence Day with a bang, you may get a ticket.

A City of DeKalb ordinance currently prohibits firecrackers, torpedoes, sky rockets, Roman candles, bombs or any other kind of explosive. They do, however, allow glow pellets, smoke bombs, sparklers, noise makers and other devices containing .025 grain or less of explosive compound.

Many Illinois residents buy their fireworks from Indiana and Wisconsin, two states that permit the sale of explosive fireworks.

Since 1992, fireworks sales have increased 250 percent despite different city regulations in different states, said William Weimer, Phantom Fireworks vice president.

“We’re talking apples and oranges in purchasing requirements per state,” Weimer said. “The anomaly in this business is that someone from Illinois can travel to Wisconsin or Indiana and, following their purchasing restrictions, buy anything they want.”

Weimer said they may face issues in their home states. Some state police officers set up surveillance and arrest people at state lines.

University Police Lt. Matt Kiederlen said although the UP might seize illegal fireworks, they rarely prosecute suspects for exploding illegal fireworks over the July 4 weekend.

“Fireworks aren’t considered a major offense,” Kiederlen said. “It’s usually young people trying to have some fun.”

DeKalb Police Lt. Jim Kayes said DeKalb police usually consider lighting illegal fireworks a petty offense.

“Usually, the way it comes to our attention is that someone complains. Usually, we don’t go and hunt someone down,” he said.

In 2003, Kayes said the DeKalb police filed 132 complaints and arrested two adults and one minor. So far this year, they have filed 30 complaints with no arrests.

The punishment fits the crime, Kayes said. Fines can stem from $50 to $500 depending on the nature of the fireworks.

The DeKalb Park District will put on its yearly fireworks display after dark on July 4 at Hopkins Park.