Fireworks in California (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: California allows only state-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks; firecrackers, rockets and Roman candles are dangerous fireworks. Retail sale is allowed only from 12 noon on 28 June to 12 noon on 6 July, to people aged 16 or over. Cities and counties may prohibit or regulate sale, use and discharge.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Yes [1] |
| Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2) | 16 years [2] |
| Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2) | A retail licence authorises the retail sale of safe and sane fireworks only from 12 noon on 28 June to 12 noon on 6 July of the same calendar year; the licence expires at the end of that period. [1] |
| When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Nothing in the state fireworks law authorises the sale, use or discharge of fireworks in a city, county or city and county where that is prohibited or regulated by local law or ordinance. [3] |
| Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2) | Only "safe and sane" fireworks that are approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and tested and approved by the State Fire Marshal. Firecrackers, skyrockets and rockets, Roman candles and chasers are classed as dangerous fireworks. [4] |
| Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2) | State law does not authorise the sale, use or discharge of fireworks in any city or county where a law or local ordinance prohibits or regulates it. [3] |
Notes
- Retail sale is authorised only for 'safe and sane' fireworks: fireworks approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and tested and approved by the State Fire Marshal (§ 12529). Possessing other ('dangerous') fireworks without a permit is unlawful (§ 12677). A city or county may prohibit or regulate sale, use or discharge (§ 12541).
- A retailer may not sell or transfer safe and sane fireworks to a person under 16. Selling, giving or delivering dangerous fireworks to a person under 18 is unlawful (§ 12689(a)).
Sources
- California Legislative Information (Legislative Counsel Bureau): California Health and Safety Code § 12599 (Internet Archive snapshot of 13 June 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information (Legislative Counsel Bureau): California Health and Safety Code § 12689 (Internet Archive snapshot of 16 May 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information (Legislative Counsel Bureau): California Health and Safety Code § 12541 (Internet Archive snapshot of 13 December 2024) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information (Legislative Counsel Bureau): California Health and Safety Code § 12529 (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 January 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
California and neighbouring states
| State | Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks | Minimum age to buy | When they may be sold to the public | When they may be let off | Where they may not be let off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Yes (state-approved "safe and sane" only) | 16 (safe and sane fireworks) | 28 Jun noon to 6 Jul noon | ⚠ Not yet verified | Local (city/county) bans and rules apply |
| Arizona | Yes (ground devices only) | 16 | Local limits: windows around holidays | Local limits: windows; not 11pm to 8am | Cities may ban; parks and preserves |
| Nevada | Yes ("safe and sane" Class C only) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Counties may ban or restrict |
| Oregon | Non-aerial retail fireworks only | ⚠ Not yet verified | 23 Jun-6 Jul | No state time limit | Local bans possible |
More rules in California
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal, 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Up to 6 plants, 21+
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (2-lane undivided)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Dagger only if blade exposed and locked · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade of 2 in or more banned; thumb-stud OK
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.90 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, age 16+ · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, age 16+
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.01% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.