Vista and San Diego Fireworks Laws Are Very Clear: They’re All Illegal

Last Updated on June 6, 2025

The 4th of July is the ultimate celebration of American freedom, but if you violate San Diego City or County fireworks laws by possessing or using illegal pyrotechnics, you could lose your freedom. Only those licensed to use fireworks can possess any type of these explosives, even sparklers, in Vista or the rest of San Diego County without risk of criminal charges. With the 4th of July coming up soon, you should know the potential penalties and why these devices are illegal in the county.

Are Fireworks Illegal in Vista or San Diego?

Unequivocally, yes, fireworks are illegal in the city of San Diego and the entire county, including Vista. While some forms of fireworks are legal in California, San Diego prohibits their use within the entire county.

Are Fireworks Legal in California?

Yes. You can purchase what are known as “safe and sane fireworks” under state law in some counties. However, these are not legal throughout the state. For example, you can buy small fireworks in Imperial and Orange Counties (though individual cities in these areas may have more restrictive rules), but you cannot use them or even possess them within the limits of San Diego County, Riverside County, or Los Angeles.

Why Aren’t Sparklers Legal in San Diego?

While ‘safe and sane’ fireworks are generally considered safe for the handlers, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there is no safe way to use consumer fireworks. In fact, there are more fires on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year, and more than half of these are caused by fireworks. Because San Diego is so prone to massive and dangerous wildfires, the county limits the use of all pyrotechnics and explosives to those licensed to use them safely.

What are the Penalties?

While you can face charges for possessing any fireworks in San Diego County, some fireworks are illegal statewide. California state law divides fireworks into two categories: “safe and sane” and dangerous. The first category includes smaller consumer fireworks such as small sprinklers, fountains, spinners, sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and snap caps. Safe and sane fireworks can easily be found available for sale at roadside stands in counties where they are legal. Dangerous pyrotechnics, include M-80s and almost any launchable design, are illegal statewide.

If you’re still thinking about heading to Imperial County, Orange County, or Mexico to pick up some M-80s, Roman candles, chrysanthemums, spinners, artillery shells, bees, or TNT poppers, you might want to think again because possessing any of these can result in misdemeanor charges in San Diego. If you are arrested, all of your fireworks will be seized, and you will usually face up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines (or more fines for a subsequent conviction). The same penalties apply if you are caught with dangerous fireworks in any California county.

If you are caught in possession of more than 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks and do not have a valid pyrotechnics license, the charge may be filed as a felony, punishable by fines of up to $10,000 and up to three years in jail. While these charges are rare, when someone is caught with more than 5,000 pounds, the fine may be increased to up to $50,000. Commercial drivers carrying more than 10,000 pounds of illegal fireworks can also lose their commercial driver’s license for three years.

Arson Charges

If your use of fireworks results in a fire, you could also be charged with reckless burning, a type of arson crime that involves unintentionally but recklessly starting a fire. Anyone charged with reckless burning will be required to pay restitution for any property damaged by the fire, and most offenders will face misdemeanor charges punishable by up to six months in jail. If the fire affected forestland or a structure though, or if someone suffered great bodily injury as a result of the incident, the crime can be charged as a more serious misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a felony punishable by up to six years in prison.

Selling Fireworks to a Minor

Selling or giving fireworks to a minor is illegal statewide and charged as a misdemeanor. Practically all fireworks fall under this law, except small poppers and standard sparklers. This offense is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. If you have a previous conviction on your record though, you can face an extra $5,000 in fines and another year of jail time. Under the law, you can face a charge for each day that you violate the law.

Real Firework Arrests in Vista

It’s common for Vista residents to hear fireworks all through the year, especially after major sporting events. Illegal fireworks are a known issue in our community. In 2023, one resident near North Citrus Avenue was using massive, loud fireworks so frequently that police received dozens of noise complaints. After narrowing down the location across multiple nights of stakeout, officers were able to track down the offender. When they searched the man’s home, they found not only a massive ballistics tube used for launching fireworks but also 3 pounds of cocaine and a firearm.

The man was charged with multiple offenses, including child cruelty, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a controlled substance while armed, and more.

Where Can You View Fireworks in Vista?

Rather than break the law, it’s best to find a safe location to view one of the legal fireworks shows in San Diego County. In Vista, the Fourth of July celebration will take place in Brengle Park, with fireworks at 9 PM. If you really love fireworks, you can see them in both Vista and Oceanside because Oceanside usually has its fireworks show on July 3rd. Alternatively, there are 4th of July fireworks shows at Bradley Park in San Marcos, Grape Day Park in Escondido, or in Carlsbad at Park Hyatt Aviatta or Legoland.

Firework Shows in the Rest of San Diego County

If you’ll be leaving Vista on the Fourth of July, you can catch fireworks throughout the rest of San Diego. There are displays launched in the San Diego Bay, Sea World, Coronado, Ocean Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar, Escondido, San Marcos, Lake Murray, Carlsbad, Legoland, Santee, El Cajon, Poway, Imperial Beach, and Chula Vista.

What to do if Police Believe You Illegally Used Fireworks

Vista residents know that illegal fireworks are pretty common on just about every major holiday. If the police ask to search your property for the fireworks or want to question you, do not give permission. Instead, invoke your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. If you have any questions or have been charged with this crime, please call San Diego fireworks possession lawyer Peter M. Liss at (858) 486-3024 or (760) 643-4050.
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