San Francisco Police Code Article 9 and the SF Fire Code prohibit the sale, possession, and discharge of all fireworks within city limits, including state-approved Safe and Sane fireworks legal elsewhere in California.
SF Police Code Section 4501 and SF Fire Code Section 5601 ban every type of firework citywide, with no exceptions for July 4th or New Year's. SFFD investigates fireworks complaints, and SFPD makes arrests. Penalties include fines starting at 1,000 dollars and possible misdemeanor charges. Public displays require special permits issued only to licensed pyrotechnic operators for events like AT&T Park or Pier 39 shows. Fireworks confiscated at city limits are destroyed by SFFD bomb squad. Sparklers and party poppers also fall under the ban as classified fireworks under California Health and Safety Code Section 12500.
Possession, sale, or discharge of any fireworks; selling Safe and Sane fireworks; using sparklers; and unlicensed pyrotechnic displays draw fines and potential criminal charges.
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See how San Francisco's fireworks rules stack up against other locations.
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