Firework Laws in California
- Fireworks can be purchased legally in California from June 28 to July 6.fireworks display image by BHughes Photography from Fotolia.com
In California, the State Fire Marshal decides what types of fireworks are legal for sale and use. Authorized, "safe and sane” versions carry an official seal and all others are classified as dangerous and illegal. From 1993 to 2010, some 32 cities in California have reversed longstanding prohibitions against the use of fireworks. Firework sales are permitted from midday, June 28, to midday, July 6. - Many fireworks are banned in California, including rockets and shells.Sparklers 4 image by smasharts from Fotolia.com
Illegal fireworks include firecrackers (bangers), shells, rockets, chasers, roman candles, torpedoes as well as sparklers longer than 10" or more than 1/4" in diameter. If it explodes, flies up in the air or does not display the State Fire Marshal's seal, it's illegal. - Fireworks containing gunpowder, phosphorus, arsenic, magnesium thiocyanates, mercury salts, picrates, gallates, chlorates, boron, titanium smaller than 100 mesh, zirconium and kits for making fireworks are illegal. In addition, surprise items, friction items and designs resembling food are prohibited.
- Retail licenses are required to sell fireworks in California.fireworks 1 image by Robert Molnar from Fotolia.com
You must be at least 16 years old to buy fireworks in California; the salesperson must be at least 18. State licenses for wholesaling, retailing, importing and exporting are required. These are renewable annually from the State Fire Marshal. The retail licence is valid only during the authorized selling period, and the license number must appear on all invoices and order documents. - A display permit must be obtained from the State Fire Marshall before applying to a local authority for permission to hold a display. Licence types can be General, which authorize displays at different sites on different dates, or Special, which authorize a single display location. A fee is payable for all licences. The display operator must have passed a written exam and be able to demonstrate experience. Minimum insurance coverage of $1 million (personal/property), per occurrence annually, must be in place.
