Are Fireworks Legal in California? Complete 2025 Guide to State and Local Laws
Only “Safe and Sane” fireworks bearing the State Fire Marshal’s seal are legal in California, and only in cities that permit them. All aerial and explosive fireworks are illegal statewide. Major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Long Beach, and Oakland ban all fireworks. Violations carry fines up to $50,000 and one year in jail.
What Types of Fireworks Are Legal in California?
California divides fireworks into two categories under the California Health and Safety Code.
Legal “Safe and Sane” Fireworks:
- Sparklers (10 inches or less, quarter-inch diameter maximum)
- Ground fountains
- Smoke devices
- Snappers and party poppers
- Novelty items
- Must bear State Fire Marshal seal
Illegal “Dangerous” Fireworks:
- Sky rockets and bottle rockets
- Roman candles
- Firecrackers and M-80s
- Aerial shells and mortars
- Any firework that explodes
- Any firework that flies or projects into the air
- Any firework that moves uncontrollably on the ground
California maintains a zero-tolerance policy for dangerous fireworks, which include any that explode, go into the air, or move uncontrollably on the ground.
California Health and Safety Code: Key Fireworks Provisions
HSC § 12700: Penalties for Violations
Weight-Based Penalties for Dangerous Fireworks:
- Less than 25 pounds: Misdemeanor, $500-$1,000 fine, up to one year in jail
- 25-100 pounds: $1,000-$5,000 fine, up to one year in jail
- 100-5,000 pounds: $5,000-$10,000 fine, potential state prison
- Over 5,000 pounds: $10,000-$50,000 fine, state prison or county jail
HSC § 12702: Providing Fireworks to Minors
Selling, giving, or delivering dangerous fireworks to anyone under 18 is a misdemeanor. Second offense carries an additional $5,000 fine with no probation eligibility.
HSC § 12701: Daily Violations
Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.
Where Are Fireworks Legal in California? City-by-City Breakdown
Nearly 300 California cities allow “Safe and Sane” fireworks, but most major population centers ban all fireworks.
Major Cities That Ban All Fireworks:
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- San Diego (entire county)
- San Jose
- Long Beach
- Oakland
- Berkeley
- Santa Monica
- Redondo Beach
- Seal Beach
Southern California Cities Allowing “Safe and Sane” Fireworks:
Los Angeles County: Alhambra, Artesia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bellflower, Commerce, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, El Monte, Gardena, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Industry, Irwindale, La Mirada, La Puente, Lakewood, Lawndale, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Palmdale, Paramount, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, South Gate, Temple City, Vernon
Orange County: Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, Orange, Santa Ana, Stanton, Villa Park, Westminster
Riverside County: Blythe, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indio
San Bernardino County: Adelanto, Chino, Colton, Fontana (specific locations), Grand Terrace (specific locations), Needles, Rialto, San Bernardino (specific locations)
Imperial County: All cities permit “Safe and Sane” fireworks
Kern County: All cities permit “Safe and Sane” fireworks
Northern California:
Cities Allowing “Safe and Sane” Fireworks: Roseville, Rocklin (Placer County)
Counties Banning All Fireworks: Shasta, Trinity, Siskiyou (except Biggs, Gridley, Oroville), Butte (outside permitted cities), El Dorado, Placer (unincorporated areas)
When Can You Buy and Use Fireworks in California?
Sale Dates: Noon June 28 through noon July 6 (or 9 p.m. July 4 in some jurisdictions)
Usage Times: Vary by city; typically 9 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. during permitted dates
Always check local ordinances for specific hours and additional restrictions.
2025 Enforcement: Record Seizures and Increased Penalties
Over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks were seized in California by mid-2025, reflecting aggressive statewide enforcement.
Recent Local Enforcement Changes:
Sacramento: Fines increased to $1,000 first offense, $2,500 second offense, $5,000 third offense. In high-risk areas (schools, parks, rivers), fines reach $10,000. Each illegal firework counts as a separate violation.
Yolo County: First-offense fines jumped from $100 to $1,000 in 2025.
Sacramento County: Social host ordinance holds property owners liable for illegal fireworks use on their property, with $1,000+ fines.
Placer County: Misdemeanor charges and fines up to $2,000 for violations in unincorporated areas.
Shasta County: $250 fine and five days in jail for violations.
Butte County: Up to $1,000 fine and six months in jail outside permitted cities.
Federal Restrictions on Fireworks
BLM Land: All fireworks, including “Safe and Sane,” are banned year-round on Bureau of Land Management property in California through December 31, 2025. Violations carry federal penalties including jail time, fines, and restitution.
Interstate Transport: Federal law prohibits transporting fireworks across state lines into California if those fireworks are illegal in California. Penalty: up to one year in prison and fines.
Why California Has Strict Fireworks Laws
Human activities account for about 95% of all wildfire starts in California, often from preventable sources including fireworks.
CAL FIRE reports fireworks sparked over 1,200 fires and caused $35 million in property damage since 2024.
State officials cite wildfire risk, particularly during drought conditions and extreme heat, as the primary reason for restrictive fireworks laws.
How to Report Illegal Fireworks
Sacramento County: 9-1-1 for emergencies only; use non-emergency local reporting for illegal fireworks
Statewide Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-47-ARSON
San Bernardino County: Contact local fire department or WeTip hotline
Most jurisdictions require physical witness testimony or photo/video evidence for citations.
Local Ordinance Authority
While California law permits “Safe and Sane” fireworks, cities and counties can:
- Ban all fireworks, including “Safe and Sane”
- Restrict usage hours beyond state minimums
- Designate fire hazard zones with complete bans
- Impose fines exceeding state minimums (up to local limits)
- Regulate sales locations through zoning
Cities cannot preempt state law by legalizing dangerous fireworks.
Liability and Civil Consequences
Parents are liable for property damage or injuries caused by children using fireworks.
If legal fireworks start a fire, the person who lit them can be held liable for:
- Suppression costs
- Property damage
- Personal injuries
- Civil lawsuits
Homeowners insurance may not cover fireworks-related damages.
Enforcement Challenges
Despite strict laws, enforcement remains difficult. On July 4, 2025, illegal fireworks continued in Sacramento County even with heavy law enforcement presence.
Barriers to Enforcement:
- Officers must witness violations or obtain citizen attestations
- High call volume overwhelms resources
- Short window of violation (hours)
- Proof requirements (photos, videos, witness willingness to testify)
Some jurisdictions deploy drones to identify violators, though FAA line-of-sight restrictions limit effectiveness.
Special Permits and Licensed Displays
Professional pyrotechnic operators can obtain licenses and permits to conduct public displays using dangerous fireworks. These require:
- State Fire Marshal licensing
- Local permits
- Insurance
- Safety plans
- Trained personnel
Private citizens cannot obtain permits for personal use of dangerous fireworks.
What Legal Experts Say About California Fireworks Laws
California’s fireworks regulations are among the strictest in the nation, driven by wildfire concerns and public safety data showing thousands of annual injuries.
The patchwork of local ordinances creates confusion, with neighboring cities having completely different rules.
Enforcement effectiveness varies dramatically by jurisdiction, with resource-rich areas conducting sophisticated operations while others struggle with basic compliance.
Recent legislative proposals have sought interstate cooperation to prevent illegal fireworks from entering California from Nevada.
Recent Legal Developments
2024: Gardena police seized 75 tons of illegal fireworks—California’s largest bust in history—highlighting the scale of illegal fireworks trafficking.
2025: State officials continue pursuing interstate compact with Nevada to restrict cross-border fireworks sales to California residents. Nevada Legislature approval pending.
AB 1403: Cities allowing legal fireworks collect 7% of profits for local illegal fireworks enforcement.
FAQ: California Fireworks Laws
Q: Can I buy fireworks online and ship them to California?
Yes, but only “Safe and Sane” fireworks from authorized sellers. Many online retailers won’t ship to California due to strict regulations. Shipping takes 5-7 business days.
Q: Are sparklers legal in California?
Yes, if they’re 10 inches or less in length and quarter-inch or less in diameter, with the State Fire Marshal seal. Larger sparklers are illegal dangerous fireworks.
Q: Can my HOA ban fireworks?
Yes. Private communities can establish fireworks restrictions beyond state and local law.
Q: What if I live in an unincorporated area?
Generally, all fireworks are illegal in unincorporated counties unless specifically permitted. Kern County allows “Safe and Sane” fireworks in unincorporated areas except mountain communities.
Q: Can I get a permit for personal fireworks use?
No. Only licensed professionals can obtain permits for dangerous fireworks for public displays.
Q: What happens if the Governor declares a fire emergency?
Local fire officials can prohibit all fireworks, including “Safe and Sane,” during extreme drought or high-wind conditions.
Q: Are fireworks from Native American reservations legal in California?
No. If they’re illegal in California, possessing them is a crime regardless of where they were purchased.
Q: Can I be charged with multiple violations for multiple fireworks?
Yes. Sacramento and other jurisdictions count each illegal firework as a separate violation, allowing citations to accumulate.
Key Takeaways for California Residents
- Check local laws before purchasing or using any fireworks—major cities ban all fireworks
- Only “Safe and Sane” fireworks with State Fire Marshal seal are legal, and only where permitted
- All aerial and explosive fireworks are illegal statewide without exception
- Penalties start at $500 and reach $50,000 plus one year in jail
- Property owners can be held liable for fireworks use on their property
- Parents are liable for children’s fireworks-related damages
- Report illegal fireworks through non-emergency channels unless there’s immediate danger
- Professional public displays are legal alternatives to personal fireworks use
- BLM land prohibits all fireworks year-round
- Fire risk and drought conditions can trigger additional restrictions at any time
California’s fireworks laws prioritize wildfire prevention and public safety over recreational fireworks use. With aggressive enforcement in 2025 and record seizures, residents should carefully verify local regulations before purchasing or using any fireworks.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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