Are Fireworks Legal in California?
Only a narrow category called "Safe and Sane" fireworks is legal in California, and even those are banned in many cities. Anything that flies into the air, explodes, or moves unpredictably on the ground is classified as a "dangerous firework" and is illegal statewide for personal use. California enforces some of the strictest fireworks laws in the country, with penalties reaching $50,000 in fines and a year in jail.
What Counts as Legal
The only consumer fireworks Californians can legally buy and use are those bearing the State Fire Marshal's "Safe and Sane" seal. These are ground-based items that do not fly, explode, or travel in an uncontrolled manner. Think fountains, sparklers, cones, and ground spinners that stay put. If a firework goes up or goes bang, it is illegal.
The following are always classified as dangerous and banned for personal use:
- Sky rockets and bottle rockets
- Roman candles
- Firecrackers of any kind
- Aerial shells and repeaters
- Any device that leaves the ground
When You Can Buy and Use
Safe and Sane fireworks may only be sold from noon on June 28 through noon on July 6. Retail sales are restricted to licensed temporary fireworks stands — you cannot buy legal fireworks online or have them shipped to a California address. Use hours are typically 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the sales window, though local jurisdictions can set tighter hours.
Age Restriction
You must be at least 16 years old to purchase or use Safe and Sane fireworks in California. Parents can be held liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
Many Cities Ban All Fireworks
This is the critical detail most people miss. While state law allows Safe and Sane fireworks, cities and counties can impose total bans, and many do. Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Oakland, and dozens of other cities prohibit all fireworks — including sparklers and Safe and Sane products — within city limits. In Los Angeles, the municipal code makes it unlawful to use, give, possess, sell, or discharge any fireworks in the city, period.
Only about 300 communities in California permit Safe and Sane fireworks. The State Fire Marshal publishes a list of these jurisdictions each year — check it before making any plans.
Penalties Are Severe
California does not mess around with enforcement. Possession of dangerous fireworks is a misdemeanor with penalties that escalate by weight:
- Under 25 lbs: Up to $1,000 fine
- 25–100 lbs: Up to one year in jail, $2,000–$10,000 fine
- 101–5,000 lbs: Wobbler offense, up to three years in state prison, $5,000–$50,000 fine
- Over 5,000 lbs: Felony, up to three years in prison, fines up to $100,000 under recent legislation
Sacramento County fines property owners $1,000 for a first offense under its social host ordinance, escalating to $5,000 for repeat violations. Many other jurisdictions have adopted similar measures.
Federal Land Is Off-Limits
All fireworks, including Safe and Sane products, are banned year-round on Bureau of Land Management property in California. Federal law also prohibits transporting fireworks across state lines into California if those fireworks are illegal here — that Nevada shopping trip can land you federal charges.
Where to Buy
In communities that allow them, Safe and Sane fireworks are sold exclusively from licensed temporary stands, usually operated by nonprofit groups as fundraisers. These stands appear in late June. You will not find legal fireworks for sale in retail stores, and online fireworks sales to California addresses are prohibited.
Local tip: The State Fire Marshal's office publishes a searchable list of cities that allow Safe and Sane fireworks each spring. Look it up before the holiday — your neighbor's city might allow fireworks while yours carries a $1,000 fine for the same sparkler. And leave those Nevada purchases in Nevada.