Is Fireworks Legal in California?
Fireworks is legal with restrictions in California as of 2026. California prohibits the sale and use of most consumer fireworks except for 'safe and sane' fireworks approved by the California State Fire Marshal. Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, rockets, and aerial shells. The relevant laws are found in California Health and Safety Code Sections 12500-12750.
Fireworks is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in California
Fireworks is legal in California but with specific restrictions and regulations.
Fireworks Laws in California: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Fireworks is currently legal with restrictions in California.
- 2 Possession: Possession of illegal fireworks is prohibited; 'safe and sane' fireworks allowed in some cities.
- 3 Sale: Only 'safe and sane' fireworks approved by the State Fire Marshal may be sold legally.
- 4 Age Restriction: 18 years or older to purchase.
- 5 Penalties: Fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for illegal fireworks possession or use.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Possession of illegal fireworks is prohibited; 'safe and sane' fireworks allowed in some cities. |
| Sale | Only 'safe and sane' fireworks approved by the State Fire Marshal may be sold legally. |
| Age Restriction | 18 years or older to purchase. |
| Penalties | Fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for illegal fireworks possession or use. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does California Compare?
Across all 50 states, Fireworks is fully legal in 12 states, legal with restrictions in 33 states, and illegal in 5 states. California is among the 33 states where it is legal with restrictions.
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Editorial Standards
This page was researched and written by the editorial team at IsThisLegalInMyState.com. All legal information is sourced directly from official state statutes, regulatory agency publications, and legislative databases. Our team reviews each page for accuracy and updates it when laws change.
Source
Citation: California State Fire Marshal - Fireworks Laws
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/fireworks/
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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