Novelty Lighters

Sale of Novelty and Toylike Lighters Banned in Mississippi

Toylike or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the Nation. Children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys. Many of these lighters look like animals, miniature cars, mobile phones, and cameras, fishing lures, stacks of coins, markers, and doll accessories. One lighter is nearly identical to the popular rubber ducky bath toy—it even quacks! There are also toylike and novelty lighters that look like tools such as tape measures, drills, hammers, and paint brushes. Ironically, there are even lighters that mimic a Dalmatian donning a fire helmet, a red fire truck, or fire extinguishers.

On January 27, 2010, The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office publicly announced its support of the two bills in the Mississippi Legislature that would prohibit the sale and distributions of novelty lighters in Mississippi at a press conference at the State Capitol.

On March 15, 2010, Governor Haley Barbour signed legislation which prohibits the sale or distribution of novelty lighters within the State of Mississippi. The law went into effect on July 1, 2010.

Mississippi Legislative Bills Related to Novelty Lighters

• House Bill 232 (pdf)
• Sentate Bill 2859 (pdf)

Mississippi Insurance Department Press Releases Related to Novelty Lighters

• Novelty Lighter Ban to Take Effect July 1 (6/17/2010) (pdf)
• Playing With Fire - Arson Awareness Week - May 4 - 10 Highlights Danger of Toy-like Lighters (5/5/2008) (pdf)