Popular Fourth of July novelty items like sparklers, party poppers and snappers are now legal to use in New Jersey.

Gov. Chris Christie signed the change into law Wednesday just in time for Independence Day celebrations.

Many local shop owners tell News 12 New Jersey that they were not aware of the change in the law and were not carrying the items just yet. 

Large retailers like Wal-Mart tell News 12 that they hope to have the items in local stores within the next few days.

New Jersey residents have often traveled into nearby Pennsylvania to purchase the items, which have been legal for some time. New Jersey state police officers were often stationed at the state boarder to prevent people from bringing the items into New Jersey.

Customers must be at least 16 years old to purchase the items in New Jersey. Explosive fireworks are still illegal to use in the Garden State.