MADISON, Wis. -- There are lots of ways that people celebrate the nation's independence -- festivals, family barbecues and, of course, fireworks. Yet, few know that most fireworks found at roadside stands in Wisconsin aren't legal to light.

While there is a statewide fireworks law on what can and can't be used, most local municipalities have their own, stricter regulations, WISC-TV reported.

These discrepancies have many people frustrated, like Terry King, of Madison. The Fourth of July is a big deal for his family and until this year, he said he thought his driveway fireworks show was perfectly legal. He started questioning his annual celebration when his neighbor got a hefty fine two weeks ago.

"It's just confusing not knowing what your rights are," King said. "You could be at home and next thing you know you could be fined -- and that really bothers me."

King isn't the only one who's frustrated. Fireworks dealers admit the laws are sometimes very confusing.

"There's a patchwork-quilt of ordinances throughout the state," said Larry Cornellier, owner of Windsor's Cornellier Fireworks. "At one time, we tried to have one uniform fireworks law in the state -- and that never happened."

The law is strict in the city of Madison. City Fire Marshal Ed Ruckriegel said the only fireworks permitted in Madison's city limits are sparklers, snakes, snaps, caps and party poppers. Anything beyond those five items could bring a hefty fine of up to $1,000.

King said he wonders why these "illegal" fireworks are available for sale in the first place.

"Can you name any other product that's sold in stores -- where you go into a store, you pay in cash, he gives you a receipt, you walk away -- and you can't use it?" King said.

Although the rules for fireworks are very strict in Madison, they're very different and more lax elsewhere. In fact, the rules change at just about every border you cross.

For a detailed list of several municipal firework ordinances across Dane County, check out WISC-TV's Marc Lovicott "Good Question" blog here. If a community isn't listed, resident should check with their local clerk or administrator.