Laws regarding the sale, storage, and use of fireworks vary from state to state, but it is often illegal to:

• advertise to sell or transfer fireworks without a license or permit to do so, or with an expired license to do so;

• advertise that you are in the fireworks business without a license or permit to do so;

• sell or deliver fireworks to minors, or to persons under the age permitted by law (16 years of age, for example, and 18 years of age for dangerous fireworks);

• buy fireworks if you are under the legal age (16 years of age, for example, and 18 years of age for dangerous fireworks);

• sell fireworks anywhere other than a fixed, licensed place of business;

• sell, give, or transfer special effects fireworks to a person who does not have a pyrotechnic license;

• sell or offer to sell fireworks outside of permitted time periods—such as June and July, December and January;

• store fireworks once your license has expired, been revoked, or is surrendered;

• allow a fire nuisance (anything that causes or tends to cause an increase of fire danger) to exist in a place where fireworks are sold, manufactured, assembled, packaged, stored, or distributed;

• fail to record a license number on fireworks sales or shipments;

• use special effects fireworks (manufactured, designed, assembled, or used in connection with television, movies, or theater) without a pyrotechnic license.

• discharge fireworks within city limits without a license or permit;

• store, sell, or discharge fireworks near a gas station or other place where flammable liquids, flammable compressed gasses, or fireworks are sold or stored;

• discharge fireworks near a church, hospital, day-care center or school;

• discharge bottle rockets or pop rockets;

• possess dangerous fireworks without a permit;

• conduct a public display of fireworks without a permit;

• give, deliver, or sell dangerous fireworks to someone without a permit;

• discharge fireworks where they are likely to harm another person, or with the intent to cause chaos, fear or panic;

• possess or discharge agricultural or wildlife fireworks without a permit (fireworks devices designed to prevent crop damage or unwanted animals, and distributed to farmers, ranchers, and growers through a wildlife management program administered by the United States Department of the Interior or an equivalent state or local governmental agency).

• discharge fireworks from a public roadway, public property, park, lake or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property;

• sell, use, or discharge an emergency signaling device (a flare) that has not been registered with the state fire marshal;

• use an emergency signaling device (a flare) in an unintended manner;

• discharge fireworks on property you do not own without written permission from the property owner;

• discharge fireworks in violation of a local, county, or statewide burn ban.

In addition to state laws located in state statutes (often in the health and safety code, occupations code, or penal or criminal code), cities and counties often have ordinances and regulations that restrict the possession, sale, and discharge of fireworks. Violations of fireworks laws may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or as a felony, and sometimes include jail time for possession of large amounts of dangerous fireworks, for example.

In California, the sale, storage, and use of fireworks are strictly regulated by state laws and local ordinances. It is illegal to sell or transfer fireworks without a proper license or permit, or to operate a fireworks business without being licensed. The sale of fireworks to minors (under 18 for dangerous fireworks) is prohibited, as is the purchase by minors. Fireworks can only be sold from a licensed fixed place of business, and only individuals with a pyrotechnic license can purchase special effects fireworks. The sale of fireworks is typically restricted to certain times of the year, such as near Independence Day and New Year's. Storing fireworks with an expired license is illegal, as is creating a fire hazard where fireworks are handled. All sales and shipments must record a license number. Special effects fireworks require a pyrotechnic license for use. Discharging fireworks without a permit is illegal in city limits, near flammable materials, or in proximity to sensitive areas like churches, hospitals, and schools. Certain types of fireworks, like bottle rockets, are banned, and dangerous fireworks require a permit for possession or use. Public displays also require permits. It is unlawful to sell or use emergency signaling devices improperly or without registration. Fireworks cannot be discharged on property without the owner's written consent, and local burn bans must be observed. Violations of these regulations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, with potential jail time for serious offenses such as possessing large quantities of dangerous fireworks.