Boats Face Curfew for New York Fireworks Show
Published Date: 6/17/2026
Rule
Summary
On July 4, 2026, the Coast Guard will set special rules on the East River and Upper New York Bay to keep everyone safe during the big 4th of July fireworks show. Boats will have to follow new movement rules, stay out of certain zones, and only enter fireworks areas if given permission. These rules kick in at 4 p.m. and last until 11:30 p.m., with no extra costs for boaters—just safer celebrations!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Boaters face timed access limits
You must follow special movement rules in parts of the East River and Upper New York Bay starting at 4:00 p.m. on July 4, 2026 and continuing through 11:30 p.m. (enforcement only on July 4 during those hours unless the event is delayed to July 5). Non-participants may not enter, transit, anchor in, or remain in regulated areas unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
Personal watercraft are banned
Personal watercraft (jet-skis and similar vessels) are prohibited from operating in any regulated area during enforcement on July 4, 2026 (4:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., or those hours on July 5 if delayed). The rule defines personal watercraft as vessels propelled by a water-jet pump or similar machinery and designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel.
Spectator zones limit vessel sizes and times
Spectator Area DELTA (D) is open to all vessels beginning at 8:00 p.m.; Spectator Area FOXTROT (F) is limited to vessels over 65.6 feet (20 meters) and opens at 8:00 p.m. with vessels required to be in holding position by 9:00 p.m. and to depart without delay after the display; Spectator Area GOLF (G) is limited to vessels 65.6 feet (20 meters) or shorter and opens at 8:00 p.m.
50-yard moving protection zone around barges
A moving protection zone of a 50-yard radius will be enforced around participating fireworks barges while they are loaded with explosive material from their point of departure until placement at the launch site. The point of departure and details will be announced in a Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
Small entities told limited economic impact
The Coast Guard certified this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because vessel traffic can use alternative routes (Hudson and Harlem Rivers) and restrictions last about seven and a half hours on July 4, 2026 (or same hours on July 5 if weather-delayed). The Coast Guard will give advance notice via Broadcast Notice to Mariners, Local Notice to Mariners, Marine Safety Information Bulletin, or Coast Guard Advisory Notice so small businesses can adjust transit plans, and vessels may request permission to enter the regulated area.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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