All fireworks — including sparklers and so-called 'safe and sane' fireworks — are illegal everywhere inside Riverside city limits. Use carries a minimum $1,500 administrative fine, and confiscation, citation, or arrest are possible.
Unlike some neighboring Inland Empire cities that allow Safe and Sane fireworks during a narrow window, the City of Riverside prohibits all fireworks within its city limits year-round under its locally adopted Fire Code (RMC Ch. 16.32, which adopts CFC §5601 et seq.) and the city's fireworks ordinance. The Fire Department and Riverside Police Department enforce the ban especially aggressively around June 27-28 and July 3-4, when 311 maintains extended reporting hours. Residents can report fireworks use anonymously to 311 (online, by phone, or via the 311 mobile app) or to the Police Department at (951) 354-2007. Property owners can be held responsible for fireworks discharged on their property.
Per the City of Riverside's official notice 'Fireworks Are Illegal in the City of Riverside,' anyone caught using illegal fireworks is subject to a minimum administrative fine of $1,500. Riverside County Ordinance 858 (which applies to surrounding unincorporated areas) sets administrative penalties of $1,000 / $2,000 / $5,000 for first, second, and third+ offenses. Confiscation of all illegal fireworks, criminal citation, and arrest are also possible. State law (California Health & Safety Code §12500 et seq.) makes possession of 'dangerous fireworks' a misdemeanor.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle fireworks.
See how Riverside's fireworks rules stack up against other locations.
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