Tacoma, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Ban scope
- Sale, transport, discharge, storage, use
- Duration
- Every day of the year
- Manufacture penalty
- 90 days jail or $1,000 fine
- Other violations
- Up to $250 civil infraction/day
- Enforcing agencies
- Fire Department and Police Department
Summary
Tacoma bans the sale, transportation, discharge, storage, and use of consumer fireworks citywide, every day of the year, with no seasonal exception around July 4th, unless a narrow permit exemption applies.
Except as permitted under Section 3.12.010, and except for public display of fireworks under Section 3.12.050, the sale, transportation, discharge, storage, or use of fireworks within the City is prohibited. This total ban applies each day of the year.
C. 1. Unless specifically designated in this chapter as a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor, any violation of this chapter is a Class 1 civil infraction and, upon a finding that a violation has been committed, the person committing the act shall be assessed an amount not to exceed $250 plus applicable statutory assessments. Such penalty is in addition to any other remedies or penalties specifically provided by law. For each act herein prohibited of a continuing nature, each day shall be considered a separate offense.
2. “Civil infraction” has the meaning given that term by chapter 7.80 RCW, the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (“IRLJ”) and any local rule adopted thereto by the Tacoma Municipal Court. (Ord. 27308 § 5, 2005-01-11; Ord. 27624 Ex. A, 2007-06-12; Ord. 28767 Ex. A, 2021-06-08)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
Tacoma Municipal Code § 3.12.060 bans the sale, transportation, discharge, storage, and use of fireworks anywhere in the city, every day of the year: including around July 4th. The only exceptions are the narrow uses carved out in § 3.12.010 (railroad, ceremonial, sporting, and military signals, plus theatrical blank cartridges) and a permitted public display under § 3.12.050, which needs Fire Department approval, a $1,000,000 bond or insurance certificate, and a state pyrotechnics license. Manufacturing fireworks in Tacoma is a separate misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful sale, storage, discharge, or use of fireworks is enforceable as a Class 1 civil infraction, up to $250 per day plus assessments, while illegal manufacture is a misdemeanor: 90 days in jail, $1,000 fine, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks in Tacoma on the Fourth of July?
What's the penalty for using fireworks in Tacoma?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
How Tacoma compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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Fireworks in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle fireworks.