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Only "safe and sane" fireworks — those examined, tested and registered by the State Fire Marshal and carrying its seal — may be sold or used, and then only in cities and counties that allow them; many California jurisdictions ban all consumer fireworks (Health & Safety Code §§ 12529, 12541, 12671). "Dangerous" fireworks, including firecrackers, sky rockets and Roman candles, are illegal to possess without a permit (§ 12677).
Each rule below is the full statewide entry, with the official source it rests on and the date it was last checked.
California allows only ground, handheld and novelty fireworks — the "Safe and Sane" class: fountains, spinners, snap caps, cones, and sparklers that do not explode, fly, or move across the ground. Firecrackers, rockets, aerial shells and oversize sparklers are "dangerous" and illegal for the public.
Full rule, with nearby states →California sets no fixed statewide window for use, but sales of Safe-and-Sane fireworks are limited to noon on June 28 through noon on July 6. Cities and counties set the use rules, and many ban consumer fireworks entirely or restrict use to July 4 — using them where they are banned is illegal.
Full rule, with nearby states →You must be 18 to buy fireworks in California, and only state-licensed seasonal stands in communities that allow them may sell to you. Buying in a California city that permits fireworks and then using them in a city that bans them is still illegal there.
California allows only "Safe & Sane" fireworks, sold from about noon on June 28 to noon on July 6 by state-licensed retailers and certified nonprofit booths, and only in cities and counties that allow them.
In California, there is no state permit for "Safe & Sane" use, but only a licensed pyrotechnician may fire aerials or display fireworks, and local approval governs even Safe & Sane.
We watch the official sources behind California fireworks rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
Informational only — not legal advice.