Toylike or novelty lighters are responsible for injuries, deaths and accidents across the nation. Children in particular are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys or animals.
Some state governments are taking action by banning the sale of toylike and novelty lighters and limiting their distribution. In addition to state bans and restrictions, numerous local jurisdictions have passed ordinances.
If you live in a state that has not passed legislation to ban or limit the sale of novelty lighters, contact your State Fire Marshal's office to find out if your legislature is considering a bill.
Seventeen states have laws that ban the sale and/or distribution of novelty and toylike lighters; Wisconsin has pending legislation.
Legislation passed
Legislation pending
Legislation failed
No legislation
Study introduced| State | Passed into law | Description | Legislation link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 2009 | Bans the sale and distribution of novelty lighters | Read Arkansas' legislation PDF 27 KB |
| Hawaii | 2011 | Bans the sale of novelty lighters | Read Hawaii's legislation PDF 56 KB |
| Illinois | 2010 | Bans the sale and distribution of novelty and toy lighters | Read Illinois' legislation PDF 46 KB |
| Louisiana | 2009 | Prohibits the sale and distribution of certain novelty lighters | Read Louisiana's legislation PDF 17 KB |
| Maine | 2008 | Prohibits the retail sale and distribution of novelty lighters (first state to enact legislation) | Read Maine's legislation PDF 10 KB |
| Massachusetts | 2010 | Bans the manufacture, sale, giving away, storing or transport of novelty lighters | Read Massachusetts' legislation |
| Mississippi | 2010 | Bans the sale and distribution of novelty lighters | Read Mississippi's legislation PDF 80 KB |
| Nebraska | 2015 | Prohibits the sale of novelty lighters without child-proof safety features | Read Nebraska's legislation PDF 52 KB |
| Nevada | 2009 | Prohibits the sale or distribution as a promotion of novelty lighters | Read Nevada's legislation PDF 21 KB |
| New Jersey | 2009 | Prohibits the sale of novelty lighters | Read New Jersey's legislation PDF 23 KB |
| New York | 2013 | Bans the manufacture, import, sale and distribution of novelty lighters | Read New York's legislation |
| North Carolina | 2009 | Prohibits the retail sale and distribution of novelty lighters | Read North Carolina's legislation PDF 19 KB |
| Oregon | 2009 | Bans the manufacture, sale and distribution of toylike (novelty) lighters | Read Oregon's legislation |
| Tennessee | 2008 | Limits the sale and distribution of novelty lighters | Read Tennessee's legislation PDF 110 KB |
| Utah | 2010 | Prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution or possession of novelty lighters | Read Utah's legislation PDF 84 KB |
| Virginia | 2009 | Prohibits the sale of novelty lighters to juveniles | Read Virginia's legislation PDF 9 KB |
| Washington | 2009 | Prohibits the sale or distribution of certain novelty lighters | Read Washington's legislation PDF 16 KB |
