Unlike most Los Angeles County cities, Hawthorne PERMITS State Fire Marshal 'safe and sane' fireworks under Municipal Code Chapter 8.34. They may be used only on July 4 between 12:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Dangerous fireworks remain illegal statewide under California Health & Safety Code Section 12500 et seq.
Hawthorne Municipal Code Chapter 8.34 authorizes the sale and use of 'safe and sane' fireworks as defined in California Health & Safety Code Section 12529, making Hawthorne one of a minority of Los Angeles County cities (alongside Gardena, Lawndale, Hawaiian Gardens, and others) that still allow consumer fireworks. Per Section 8.34.180, safe-and-sane fireworks may be used only on July 4 between 12:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; all fireworks, including safe-and-sane, are illegal at every other time. Retail sale (Section 8.34.120) is permitted only from noon on June 28 through 9:00 p.m. on July 4 each year, and only by qualified nonprofit organizations (veterans, religious, civic, or charitable groups with Franchise Tax Board tax-exempt status under Revenue & Taxation Code 23701d/f/w). The number of permitted stands is capped at eight, with named organizations such as the Hawthorne VFW Post 2075, American Legion Post 314, and 9-11 Help America given standing. 'Dangerous fireworks' (firecrackers, sky rockets, Roman candles, bottle rockets, mortars, and any aerial or exploding device) defined in H&SC Section 12505 are prohibited statewide and may not be sold or used in Hawthorne.
Using safe-and-sane fireworks outside the permitted July 4 noon-to-10 p.m. window is a violation subject to an administrative citation issued by the City under Section 8.34.180. Possession or use of 'dangerous' (illegal) fireworks is a misdemeanor under California Health & Safety Code Section 12677, and administrative fines under H&SC Section 12557 start at a $1,000 minimum for 25 lbs. or less. The Hawthorne Police Department warns that fines for possessing or using illegal fireworks can reach $1,000, and conducts enhanced enforcement around the July 4 holiday.
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