Fireworks: Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do fireworks rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
All fireworks including Safe and Sane are banned year-round in Fontana. Violations start at a 1,000 dollar administrative fine, and dangerous fireworks are a misdemeanor under state law.
View full Fontana rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
All fireworks, including Safe and Sane, are illegal inside the City of San Bernardino. Possession, sale, or discharge of any firework carries administrative fines starting at 1,250 dollars.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| City fireworks status | Total ban - no Safe and Sane allowed | - |
| First offense fine | 1,000 dollars administrative citation | - |
| Dangerous fireworks penalty | Up to one year jail under H and S Code 12677 | - |
| Enforcement lead | Fontana Police Department and SBCoFD joint patrols | - |
| Legal displays | Only licensed pyrotechnic operators with city permit | - |
| Citywide ban | - | All fireworks prohibited under SBMC Chapter 8.60 including Safe and Sane |
| First-offense fine | - | 1,250 dollars administrative citation |
| Repeat fines | - | Up to 3,000 dollars for third offense within 12 months |
| Social host rule | - | Property owner or tenant liable for guest-discharged fireworks |
| Only exception | - | Permitted professional pyrotechnic displays by licensed operators |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Are Safe and Sane fireworks legal in Fontana?
No. Unlike some California cities, Fontana prohibits all fireworks including Safe and Sane items, even on July Fourth.
What happens if I light fireworks in my Fontana backyard?
Administrative citations begin at 1,000 dollars, and aerial or altered fireworks can lead to misdemeanor charges plus liability for any resulting fire damage.
Can I drive to another city to buy Safe and Sane fireworks and bring them home?
Transporting, storing, and possessing fireworks within Fontana city limits is illegal regardless of where they were purchased.
San Bernardino FAQ
Are Safe and Sane fireworks legal in San Bernardino?
No. The city bans all fireworks, and possession of even State Fire Marshal approved items triggers a 1,250-dollar citation.
Can I be fined if guests bring fireworks to my property?
Yes. The social host provision in SBMC 8.60 holds the property owner or tenant responsible for illegal fireworks used by guests.
Where can I legally watch fireworks near San Bernardino?
Professional displays at stadiums, parks, or venues that hold a city pyrotechnic permit are the only legal fireworks within city limits.
Compare other topics
See how Fontana and San Bernardino compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool