The term "fireworks" means any combustible or explosive composition, or any substance or combination of substances, or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, and shall include blank cartridges, toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes or toy guns in which explosives are used, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, dago bombs, sparklers or other fireworks or like construction, and any fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or any tablets or other devices containing any explosive substance, except that the term "fireworks" shall not include toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices in which paper caps manufactured in accordance with the United States Interstate Commerce Commission regulations for packing and shipping of toy paper caps are used and toy pistol caps manufactured as provided therein, the sale and use of which shall be permitted at all times. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as applying to the manufacture, storage, sale or use of signals necessary for the safe operation of railroads or other classes of public or private transportation, or apply to the military or naval forces of the United States or of this State, or to peace officers, or to prohibiting the sale or use of blank cartridges for ceremonial, theatrical or athletic events. (2010 Code § 7-11)