Which fireworks are illegal in California? What happens if you break the law? What to know
The Fourth of July is just around the corner — which means parades, pool parties, barbecues and, of course, fireworks.
Some social media users have already been reporting explosions lighting up the sky.
“It feels like — definitely sounds like — the 4th of July so far every night,” Sacramento resident Swimming-Addition-89 wrote on Reddit.
“Fireworks at 4:30 a.m.?” another Reddit user, tsunamisurvivor, asked. “Someone make it make sense.”
Here are California’s rules and regulations about setting off fireworks, how to report illegal fireworks use and the penalties for breaking the law:
Which fireworks are illegal in California?
“California has zero tolerance for the sale and use of illegal fireworks,” the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said on its website.
It is illegal to sell, transport, or use fireworks without the “safe and sane” seal.
In California, illegal fireworks include:
- Sky rockets
- Bottle rockets
- Roman candles
- Aerial shells
- Firecrackers
“Other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner” are also considered illegal, the department said.
Fireworks are illegal in certain areas of California due to the risk of wildfires, which can cause serious injuries and millions of dollars in property damage.
Local jurisdictions can impose their own rules as to when fireworks can be deployed.
For example, residents of Union City can light fireworks between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
In Sacramento County, residents can light fireworks between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. starting June 28 and running through the Fourth of July.
If you are caught with fireworks in communities where they are prohibited, you can face penalties, the department said.
Before purchasing fireworks, check your local laws and ordinances.
Nearly 300 California communities, including Sacramento, Merced, Stanislaus and San Luis Obispo counties, permit “safe and sane” fireworks such as fountains, sparklers and smokeballs.
Here is a full list of cities and counties where you can find retail booths selling legal fireworks.
What are the penalties for lighting illegal fireworks?
A violation of California’s fireworks laws can be charged as a misdemeanor, according to Shouse California Law Group.
The law firm said penalties can include up to one year in county jail and/or fines of up to $5,000.
However, possessing large quantities of dangerous fireworks can be prosecuted as a felony in California.
“If convicted, a violator could be fined up to $50,000, be sent to jail for up to one year, or both,” the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said on its website.
How can I report illegal fireworks?
If you hear or see illegal fireworks being set off, the Sacramento Metro Fire Department said residents can report incidents to their local law enforcement and fire agencies.
When reporting an incident, the Sacramento Metro Fire Department said to provide the exact location of the fireworks being set off and be prepared for longer wait times.
“While law enforcement and fire agencies cannot respond to every firework-related call, they prioritize responses to ensure public safety,” the department said.
