Not many fireworks violations have been issued lately as police give area residents a "grace period" to get accustomed to the new fireworks ordinances passed by most municipalities, region law enforcement officials say.

St. John Police Chief Fred Frego said all communities have a similar problem as this is the time of year when fireworks are used most.

He said St. John police haven't issued any citations yet, and officers responding to fireworks complaints attempt to get residents to stop using the fireworks before writing tickets.

"They're compliant," Frego said.

Frego said if residents continue to violate the ordinance, then tickets are issued.

Crown Point Deputy Police Chief Eldon Strong said police there take a similar approach, giving residents the opportunity to understand the law.

Several region communities have adopted ordinances in the spirit of a new state law, allowing communities to bar fireworks except on certain days.

Strong said officers have warned fireworks violators of the law, but no citations have been issued.

Merrillville Town Councilman Richard Hardaway also said it may take some time before residents understand the ordinance. But Assistant Police Chief Joseph Petruch, who begins his role as chief Monday, said officers will ticket any fireworks offenders.

"Hopefully everybody complies with it," Petruch said.

Merrillville police said several complaints were received in the days preceding and following Independence Day, but no citations were written.

Some complaints could have come during the times fireworks were allowed, officials said.

Schererville police Sgt. Larry Mysliwiec said he's found the new ordinance to be helpful.

He said the department has issued a few citations, and if officers responding to a complaint can cite a resident, they will.