CALIFORNIA
12500. This part shall be known and may be cited as the State Fireworks Law.
12501. Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions in this chapter govern the construction of this part.
12502. “Advertise” means an announcement publicly with any sign, card, or notice, or by any other means, on which appears a person’s name or business name style offering to sell or transfer fireworks or pyrotechnic devices, or to cause a person’s name or business name style to be included in any classified advertisement or directory for the purpose of the sale or transfer of fireworks or pyrotechnic devices.
12503. “Agricultural and wildlife fireworks” means fireworks designed and intended by the manufacturer to be used to prevent damage to crops or unwanted occupancy of areas by animals or birds through the employment of sound or light, or both.
12505. “Dangerous fireworks” includes all of the following:
(a) Any fireworks which contain any of the following:
(1) Arsenic sulfide, arsenates, or arsenites.
(2) Boron.
(3) Chlorates, except:
(A) In colored smoke mixture in which an equal or greater amount of sodium bicarbonate is included.
(B) In caps and party poppers.
(C) In those small items (such as ground spinners) wherein the total powder content does notexceed 4 grams of which not greater than 15 percent (or 600 milligrams) is potassium, sodium, or barium chlorate.
(4) Gallates or Gallic acid.
(5) Magnesium (magnesium-aluminum alloys, called magnalium, are permitted).
(6) Mercury salts.
(7) Phosphorous (red or white except that red phosphorus is permissible in caps and party poppers).
(8) Picrates or picric acid.
(9) Thiocyanates.
(10) Titanium, except in particle size greater than 100-mesh.
(11) Zirconium.
(b) Firecrackers.
(c) Skyrockets and rockets, including all devices which employ any combustible or explosive materialand which rise in the air during discharge.
(d) Roman candles, including all devices which discharge balls of fire into the air.
(e) Chasers, including all devices which dart or travel about the surface of the ground during discharge.
(f) Sparklers more than 10 inches in length or one-fourth of one inch in diameter.
(g) All fireworks designed and intended by the manufacturer to create the element of surprise upon the user. These items include, but are not limited to, auto-foolers, cigarette loads, exploding golf balls, and trick matches.
(h) Fireworks known as devil-on-the-walk, or any other firework which explodes through means of friction, unless otherwise classified by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to this part.
(i) Torpedoes of all kinds which explode on impact.
(j) Fireworks kits.
(k) Such other fireworks examined and tested by the State Fire Marshal and determined by him, with the advice of the State Board of Fire Services, to possess characteristics of design or construction which make such fireworks unsafe for use by any person not specially qualified or trained in the use of fireworks.
12507. “End fuse” means a fuse inserted into any fireworks or pyrotechnic device at the end as distinguished from
the side of such item.
12508. “Exempt fireworks” means any special item containing pyrotechnic compositions which the State Fire Marshal, with the advice of the State Fire Advisory Board, has investigated and determined to be limited to industrial, commercial, agricultural use, or religious ceremonies when authorized by a permit granted by the authority having jurisdiction.
12509. “Exporter” means any person who sells, consigns, or delivers fireworks located within this state for delivery, use, or sale out of this state.
12510. “Fire nuisance” means anything or any act which increases, or may cause an increase of, the hazard or menace of fire, or which may obstruct, delay, or hinder, or may become the cause of any obstruction, delay, or hindrance, to the prevention or extinguishment of fire.
12511. “Fireworks” means any device containing chemical elements and chemical compounds capable of burning independently of the oxygen of the atmosphere and producing audible, visual, mechanical, or thermal effects which are useful as pyrotechnic devices or for entertainment. The term “fireworks” includes, but is not limited to, devices designated by the manufacturer as fireworks, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, rockets, Daygo bombs, sparklers, party poppers, paper caps, chasers, fountains, smoke sparks, aerial bombs, and fireworks kits.
12512. “Fireworks kit” means any assembly of materials or explosive substances, which is designed and intended by the seller to be assembled by the person receiving such material or explosive substance and when so assembled would come within the definition of fireworks in Section 12511.
12513. “Importer” means any person who for any purpose does any of the following:
(a) Brings fireworks into this state or causes fireworks to be brought into this state.
(b) Procures the delivery or receives shipments of any fireworks into this state.
(c) Buys or contracts to buy fireworks for shipment into this state.
12514. “Issuing authority” means any person who has the responsibility of evaluating the application for, and issuing, the permits required by Section 12640.
12515. “Label of registration” means the label of registration of the State Fire Marshal.
12516. “License” means any nontransferable authorization granted by the State Fire Marshal to engage in any activity regulated by this part.
12517. “Licensee” means any person 21 years of age or older holding a fireworks license issued pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 12570).
12518. “Manufacturer” means any person who manufactures, makes, constructs, fabricates, or produces any fireworks or pyrotechnic devices, but does not include any person who assembles or fabricates any sets or mechanical pieces for public displays of fireworks, or persons operating within the scope of public display or pyrotechnic operator licenses.
12521. “Package” includes any case, container, or receptacle, used for holding fireworks, which is closed or sealed by tape, cordage, or by any other means.
12522. “Permit” means the nontransferable permission granted by the public agency having local jurisdiction to a licensee for the purposes of establishing and maintaining a place where fireworks are manufactured, constructed, produced, packaged, stored, sold, exchanged, discharged, or used, or the nontransferable permission granted by the public agency having local jurisdiction or by the State Fire Marshal to a licensee for the purpose of transporting fireworks.
12523. “Person” means any person, copartnership, organization, firm, corporation, association, or any combination thereof, or any city, county, city and county, and state, and shall include any of their employees and authorized representatives.
12524. “Public display of fireworks” means an entertainment feature where the public or a private group is admitted or permitted to view the display or discharge of dangerous fireworks.
12525. “Pyrotechnic compositions” means any combination of chemical elements or chemical compounds capable of burning independently of the oxygen of the atmosphere.
12526. “Pyrotechnic device” means any combination of materials, including pyrotechnic compositions, which, by the agency of fire, produce an audible, visual, mechanical or thermal effect designed and intended to be useful for industrial, agricultural, personal safety, or educational purposes. The term “pyrotechnic device” includes, but is not limited to, agricultural and wildlife fireworks, model rockets, exempt fireworks, emergency signaling devices, and special effects.
12527. “Pyrotechnic operator” means any licensed pyrotechnic operator, who by examination, experience, and training, has demonstrated the required skill and ability in the use and discharge of fireworks as authorized by the license granted.
12528. “Retailer” means any person who, at a fixed place of business, sells, transfers, or gives fireworks to a consumer or user.
12529. “Safe and sane fireworks” means any fireworks which do not come within the definition of “dangerous fireworks” or “exempt fireworks.”
12530. “Salesman” means any person who, as an employee of a manufacturer or wholesaler, solicits, accepts, or receives an order for fireworks for a licensee or permittee.
12531. “Sell” means any arrangement between two or more persons as a result of which there is a transfer of property for a consideration.
12533. “Wholesaler” means any person, other than an importer, exporter, or manufacturer selling only to wholesalers, who sells fireworks to a retailer or any other person for resale. It also includes any person who sells dangerous fireworks to public display permittees.
12534. “Within this state” means within all territory within the boundaries of this state.
12540. The provisions of this part shall not apply to any of the following:
(a) Explosives regulated under Part 1 (commencing with Section 12000) of Division 11.
(b) Arms and handguns defined as firearms by the Federal Gun Control Act of 1968, as well as such devices and weapons classified under Section 12020 or 12301 of the Penal Code, including blank cartridge pistols of the type used at sporting events or theatrical productions.
(c) Research or experiments with rockets or missiles or the production or transportation of rockets or missiles by the Department of Defense of the United States, or by any agency or organization acting pursuant to a contract with the Department of Defense for the development and production of rockets or missiles.
(d) Paper caps which contain less than 0.25 grain of pyrotechnic composition per unit load.
12541. Nothing in this part authorizes the sale, use, or discharge of fireworks in any city, county, or city and county in which the sale, use, or discharge is otherwise prohibited or regulated by law or ordinance.
12541.1. (a) A special district which provides fire protection, prevention, or suppression services may adopt an ordinance or regulation to prohibit or regulate the sale, use, or discharge of fireworks within that special district.
(b) If the county or city in which any area of the special district is located has adopted an ordinance or regulation to prohibit or regulate the sale, use, or discharge of fireworks within that county or city, the ordinance or regulation adopted by the county or city shall prevail over the ordinance or regulation adopted by the special district within any area of the special district which is within that county or city, and only the ordinance or regulation adopted by the county or city shall be operative in that area of the special district.
(c) If any area of a special district encompasses lands which are a state responsibility area, as defined in
Sections 4125 and 4126 of the Public Resources Code, any regulation or prohibition of the state with respect to the sale, use, or discharge of fireworks within the state responsibility area shall prevail over any ordinance or regulation of the special district within that area.
12550. The State Fire Marshal shall enforce and administer this part.
12551. The State Fire Marshal shall appoint deputies and employees as may be required to carry out the provisions of this part, subject to approval in the annual Budget Act.
12552. The State Fire Marshal shall adopt regulations relating to fireworks as may be necessary for the protection of life and property not inconsistent with the provisions of this part. These regulations shall include, but are not limited to, provisions for the following:
(a) Granting of licenses and permits for the manufacture, wholesale, import, export, and sale of all
classes of fireworks.
(b) Classification of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.
(c) Registration of employees of licensees.
(d) Licenses and permits required for presentation of public displays.
(e) Granting of licenses and permits for research or experimentation with experimental or model rockets and missiles.
(f) Investigation, examination, and licensing of pyrotechnic operators of all classes.
(g) Registration of emergency signaling devices and the classification and use of exempt fireworks.
(h) Transportation of all classifications of fireworks, model rockets, emergency signaling devices, and exempt fireworks.
12553. The State Fire Marshal shall also adopt regulations for classification of any new type of fireworks or pyrotechnic devices which have not been classified prior to January 1, 1974 and for the regulation of such fireworks in accordance with the provisions of this part.
12554. The regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal relating to fireworks and in existence on January 1, 1974 shall continue thereafter to be in effect as regulations of the State Fire Marshal until amended or repealed pursuant to the provisions of this part.
12555. The State Fire Marshal or his salaried deputies may make an examination of the books and records of any licensee or permittee relative to fireworks, and may visit and inspect any building or other premises subject to the control of, or used by, the licensee or permittee for any purpose related to fireworks of any licensee or permittee at any time he may deem necessary for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this part.
12556. In addition to the obligations described in Section 13110.5, on or before July 1, 2008, the State Fire Marshal shall identify and evaluate methods to capture more detailed data relating to fires, damages, and injuries caused by both dangerous fireworks and safe and sane fireworks. These evaluation methods shall include a cost analysis related to capturing and reporting the data and shall meet or exceed the specificity, detail, and reliability of the data captured under the former California Fire Incident Reporting System (CFIRS). The State Fire Marshal shall furnish a copy of these evaluation methods to any interested person upon request.
12557. (a) The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall consult with public safety agencies and other stakeholders as deemed necessary by the State Fire Marshal and develop a model ordinance that permits local jurisdictions to adopt a streamlined enforcement and administrative fine procedures related to the possession of 25 pounds or less of dangerous fireworks. These procedures shall be limited to civil fines and as authorized pursuant to Section 53069.4 of the Government Code, and provide that the fines collected pursuant to this section shall not be subject to Section
12706. The model ordinance shall include provisions for reimbursing the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the costs associated with the disposal of seized fireworks and collecting these disposal costs as part of an administrative fine as described in subdivision (c).
(b) An ordinance of a local jurisdiction in effect on or after January 1, 2008, that is related to dangerous fireworks and is not the model ordinance described in subdivision (a) shall, as soon as practicable, comply with all of the following:
(1) The ordinance shall be amended or adopted to include provisions for cost reimbursement to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the collection of disposal costs as part of an administrative fine as described in subdivision (c).
(2) The ordinance shall be amended or adopted to provide that the ordinance shall be limited to a person who possesses or the seizure of 25 pounds or less of dangerous fireworks.
(3) The ordinance shall be amended or adopted to provide that the fines collected pursuant to the ordinance shall not be subject to Section 12706.
(c) The State Fire Marshal shall, in consultation with local jurisdictions, develop regulations to specify a procedure on how to cover the cost to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for the transportation and disposal of dangerous fireworks that are seized by local jurisdictions. The regulations shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(1) A cost recovery procedure to collect, as part of an administrative fine, the actual cost for transportation and disposal of dangerous fireworks from any person who violates a local ordinance related to dangerous fireworks.
(2) The method by which the actual cost for transportation and disposal by the Office of the State Fire Marshal will be calculated.
(3) The method, manner, and procedure the local jurisdiction is required to follow to forward the amounts collected pursuant to paragraph (1) to the State Fire Marshal.
12558. The licensee or permittee shall permit the chief of the issuing authority, or his authorized representatives, as qualified in Section 12721, to enter and inspect any building or other premises subject to the control of or used by the licensee or permittee for any purpose related to fireworks at any time for the purpose of enforcing the provisions
of this part.
12560. The State Fire Marshal shall classify all fireworks and pyrotechnic devices in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. No fireworks or pyrotechnic devices shall be imported, sold, or offered for sale prior to the examination and classification by the State Fire Marshal.
12561. All fireworks examined by the State Fire Marshal and determined by him to come within the definition of “dangerous” fireworks” in Section 12505 shall be classified as dangerous fireworks.
12562. All fireworks examined by the State Fire Marshal and determined by him to come within the definition of “safe and sane” fireworks” in Section 12529 shall be classified as safe and sane fireworks.
12563. All fireworks examined by the State Fire Marshal and determined by him to come within the definition of “agricultural and wildlife fireworks” in Section 12503 shall be classified as agricultural and wildlife fireworks.
12564. All fireworks examined by the State Fire Marshal and determined by him to come within the definition of “exempt fireworks” in Section 12508 shall be classified as exempt fireworks.
12567. Those fireworks classified by the State Fire Marshal as safe and sane prior to January 1, 1974 may continue to bear that designation and may be sold as safe and sane fireworks until 12 noon on July 6, 1974. All fireworks previously designated as safe and sane which are offered for sale or sold during the 1974 retail license year and thereafter shall bear the State Fire Marshal label with the classification of safe and sane fireworks.
12568. The manufacturer, importer, or wholesaler shall stamp or label each case or carton of dangerous fireworks offered for sale, sold, consigned, or delivered within the state for sale or use within this state as dangerous fireworks.
Each package of safe and sane fireworks shall be marked as safe and sane fireworks and shall bear the State Fire Marshal’s classification label and licensee’s registration number.
12569. Except as provided in Section 12637 and pursuant to the provisions of Sections 12560 and 12581, fireworks or pyrotechnic devices examined and classified by the State Fire Marshal shall be submitted by manufacturers, wholesalers, and importers and exporters holding a valid license only.
12570. The State Fire Marshal may issue any license described in this part, subject to the regulations which he may adopt not inconsistent with the provisions of this part.
12572. A wholesaler’s license allows the sale and transportation of all types of fireworks to licensed retailers, or retailers operating under a permit, licensed public display operators, and other licensed wholesalers in California only and sale to special effects pyrotechnic operators holding a valid permit and sale of exempt fireworks to those industrial and commercial concerns that possess a valid permit from the local agency having jurisdiction in the area where such fireworks are to be used or stored.
12573. An importer’s and exporter’s license shall allow fireworks to be imported into and exported from the state. Import activity shall be limited to the sale of fireworks to licensed wholesalers and licensed manufacturers only.Export activity shall be limited to the sale of fireworks to persons outside of the state. Holders of this type of license shall not be issued or possess a public display license of any type without first securing a wholesaler’s license. This section shall not require a license for a motion picture production company to transport or deliver special effects from within the state to a destination outside the state.
12574. A retail sales license allows the retail sale of safe and sane fireworks for private use.
12579. All licensees may transport the class of fireworks for which they hold a valid license as provided in Section
12651.
12580. The State Fire Marshal may issue and renew licenses for the manufacture, import, export, sale, and use of all fireworks and pyrotechnic devices in this state.
12581. Any person who desires to manufacture, import, export, sell or use fireworks shall first make written application for a license to the State Fire Marshal on forms provided by him. Such application shall be accompanied by the annual license fee as prescribed in this chapter.
12582. The application for a license shall be signed by the applicant. If the application is made by a partnership, it shall be signed by each partner of the partnership. If the application is made by a corporation, it shall be signed by an officer of the corporation and bear the corporation’s seal.
12583. The authorization to engage in the particular act or acts conferred by a license to a person shall extend to salesmen or other employees of such person who are registered with the State Fire Marshal. The sales personnel and other employees of licensed retailers, however, need not be registered with the State Fire Marshal. No person under the age of 18 shall sell, or handle for sale, any classification of fireworks.
12585. Any applicant may withdraw his application for a license or renewal of a license and the State Fire Marshal may allow the withdrawal when he has determined that it is in the best interest of public safety or the administration of this part.
12586. The suspension, expiration, or forfeiture by operation of law of a license issued by the State Fire Marshal, or its suspension, forfeiture, or cancellation by order of the State Fire Marshal or by a court of law, or its surrender to the State Fire Marshal shall not, during any period in which it may be renewed, restored, reissued, or reinstated, deprive the State Fire Marshal of his authority to institute or continue disciplinary action against the licensee upon any ground provided by law, or to enter an order suspending or revoking a license or otherwise taking disciplinary action against the licensee on any such ground.
12587. A written report by the State Fire Marshal, any of his deputies, or salaried assistants, or by the chief of any city or county fire department or fire protection district or their authorized representatives, disclosing that the applicant for a license or for renewal of a license does not meet, or the premises for which the license is required do not meet, the qualifications or conditions for such license as required by this part or regulations adopted pursuant to this part, may constitute grounds for denial of any application for the license or renewal of the license.
12588. The State Fire Marshal may deny, without hearing, an application for a license or renewal of a license, if within one year prior to the date of application, the State Fire Marshal has denied or revoked a license after proceedings conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code for the same applicant on the ground of violation of this part.
12589. The application for any license shall become void when any of the following occurs:
(a) The State Fire Marshal has notified the applicant to appear for examination and the applicant fails to appear or fails to submit a written statement of just cause for not appearing.
(b) The applicant fails to achieve a passing score on a required examination. A minimum qualifying score shall be established by regulations pursuant to this part.
(c) The applicant has not submitted documentary evidence of his qualifications as required by regulations adopted pursuant to this part.
(d) The applicant has failed to submit evidence of insurability as required by this part.
(e) The applicant withdraws his application prior to an investigation by the State Fire Marshal to determine if the license shall be issued.
(f) The license is denied after a hearing is conducted as provided by this part.
(g) The applicant has made misrepresentations or filed false statements.
12590. The State Fire Marshal may deny or revoke any license issued pursuant to this part if the State Fire Marshal finds any of the following conditions has occurred:
(a) The licensee has failed to pay the annual renewal license fee provided in this chapter.
(b) The licensee or license applicant has violated any provisions of this part or any regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to this part.
(c) The licensee or license applicant has created or caused a fire nuisance.
(d) The licensee has failed to keep full, complete, and accurate records or failed to file any required reports.
(e) Any fact or condition exists which, if it had existed at the time of the original application for the license reasonably would have warranted the State Fire Marshal in refusing originally to issue the license.
(f) The permit issued under Section 12640 has been rescinded or revoked by the issuing authority.
(g) Any licensee or license applicant has refused to make available to the State Fire Marshal full, complete, and accurate records.
12591. The State Fire Marshal may, upon three days notice, suspend any license for a period not exceeding 30 days pending investigation of any violation of the provisions of this part.
12592. Any applicant who has been denied a license or renewal of a license, or any licensee who has had a license suspended, shall be entitled to a hearing in accordance with the provisions of this part.
12593. Except where otherwise provided in this part, all hearings under this part shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
12594. Reports on fireworks transactions or the payment of license fees or penalties required by this part shall be deemed to have been made or paid at the time they are filed with, or paid to, the State Fire Marshal, or, if sent by mail, on the date shown by the United States postmark on the envelope containing the report or payment.
12595. Except as otherwise provided in Section 12599, on and after July 1, 1974, the original and annual license fee shall be for the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of the following year, or for the remaining portion of such fiscal year if the license is issued after the beginning of that fiscal year.
12596. Any person or organization may obtain any license required by this part between January 1, 1974, and June 30, 1974, to be effective for that period only.
12597. Application for renewal of a license shall be made during the license renewal period in the current license year in order to renew a license for the next following license year. The license renewal period shall begin on January 1 and end May 1 preceding the license year for which renewal is requested. A penalty of 50 percent of the basic license fee shall be assessed in all cases where the renewal fees are not paid on or before May 1, preceding the license year for which renewal is requested. This section shall not apply to retail sales licenses.
12598. Every licensee who fails to renew his or her license by the time the license expires shall surrender the license to the State Fire Marshal within 10 days after the license expires.
12599. A retail license shall authorize a retail sale of safe and sane fireworks within this state only during the period of 12 noon on the 28th of June through 12 noon on the 6th of July of the same calendar year and such license shall expire at the end of such period. No retail license shall be issued for the license period defined in this section unless the application for such license is received by the State Fire Marshal on or before June 15 preceding the license period. A new retail sales license shall be required annually for the period specified in this section.
12600. Except as provided in Section 12583, the authority to perform any acts permitted by a license issued under this part shall be limited to the licensee and shall not be transferable.
12601. Except as provided in Section 12599, any license not renewed in accordance with the provisions of this part shall automatically expire at 12 midnight on June 30 of each year.
12604. Following the revocation or voluntary surrender of a license, or failure to renew his license, any person in lawful possession of lawfully acquired fireworks for which a license is required may sell or otherwise dispose of such fireworks only under supervision of the State Fire Marshal and in such a manner as he shall provide by regulations and solely to persons who are authorized to buy, possess, sell, or use such fireworks. Such disposal shall be accomplished not later than 90 days from the legal revocation, voluntary surrender, or day that the license expires. Any person possessing fireworks pursuant to this section shall report the disposition of such fireworks to the local authority who issued the storage permit within the time period specified by this section.
12605. Any person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this part is not eligible to apply for a new license, apply for a renewal of a license, or take an examination for any license for a period of one year from the date of any conviction. The State Fire Marshal may waive the provisions of this section when he finds the granting of a license will not endanger public safety.
12606. Any charges against applicants for a license or against licensees which would be cause for the State Fire Marshal to initiate proceedings for revocation or denial of a license shall be filed with the State Fire Marshal within three years of the alleged act or omission.
12606.1. (a) If the State Fire Marshal or his or her designee determines that the public interest and public welfare will be adequately served by permitting a person licensed under this chapter to pay a monetary penalty to the State Fire Marshal in lieu of an actual license suspension, the State Fire Marshal or his or her designee may stay the execution of all or part of the suspension if all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The violation that is the cause for the suspension did not pose, or have the potential to pose, a significant threat or risk of harm to the public.
(2) The licensee pays a monetary penalty.
(3) The licensee does not incur any other cause for disciplinary action within a period of time specified by the State Fire Marshal or his or her designee. In making the determination, the State Fire Marshal or his or her designee shall consider the seriousness of the violation, the violator’s record of compliance with the law, the impact of the determination on the licensee, the licensee’s employees or customers, and other relevant factors.
(b) The State Fire Marshal or his or her designee may exercise the discretion granted under this section either with respect to a suspension ordered by a decision after a contested hearing on an accusation against the licensee or by stipulation with the licensee after the filing of an accusation, but prior to the rendering of a decision based upon the accusation. In either case, the terms and conditions of the disciplinary action against the licensee shall be made part of a formal decision of the State Fire Marshal or his or her designee.
(c) If a licensee fails to pay the monetary penalty in accordance with the terms and conditions of the decision of the State Fire Marshal or his or her designee, the State Fire Marshal or his or her designee may, without a hearing, order the immediate execution of all or any part of the stayed suspension in which event the licensee shall not be entitled to any repayment nor credit, prorated or otherwise, for money paid to the State Fire Marshal under the terms of the decision.
(d) The amount of the monetary penalty payable under this section shall not exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for each day of suspension stayed nor a total of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per decision regardless of the number of days of suspension stayed under the decision.
(e) Any monetary penalty received pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the State Fire Marshal Licensing and Certification Fund.
(f) On or before March 1 of each year, the State Fire Marshal shall make available to the public data showing the percentage of enforcement actions taken that resulted in license suspension or the assessment of monetary penalties pursuant to this section.
12607. The State Fire Marshal may deny the application for a license or the application for renewal of a license filed by any person who has been convicted of a felony involving explosives or dangerous fireworks or who has been convicted as a principal or accessory in a crime against property involving arson or any other fire-related offense contained in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 447a) of Title 13 of Part 1 of the Penal Code.
12608. The authority to perform those acts conferred upon the employee of a licensee as provided for in Section
12583 may be denied to any person who has been convicted of a felony.
12610. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of the law which may require a certificate of insurance as a condition for a permit to hold a general, special, or limited public display, any person, firm, or corporation applying for a public display license shall furnish to the State Fire Marshal a policy of public liability and property damage insurance, with limits, as determined by the State Fire Marshal, which are reasonably necessary to cover possible liability for damage to property and bodily injury or damage to persons which may result from, or be caused by, the public display of fireworks, or any negligence on the part of the licensee or his or her or its agents, servants, employees, or subcontractors presenting the public display.
12611. The certificate of insurance shall provide all of the following:
(a) That the insurer will not cancel the insured’s coverage without 15 days’ prior written notice to the State Fire Marshal.
(b) That the duly licensed pyrotechnic operator required by law to supervise and discharge the public display, acting either as an employee of the insured or as an independent contractor and the State of California, its officers, agents, employees, and servants are included as additional insureds, but only insofar as any operations under contract are concerned.
(c) That the state shall not be responsible for any premium or assessments on the policy.
12615. All licensees, except retailers, shall maintain and make available to the State Fire Marshal full and complete, true, and accurate records showing all production, imports, exports, purchases, sales, or other disposition or consumption of fireworks by kind and class whether dangerous, safe and sane, or agricultural and wildlife fireworks.
12616. The licensees shall report any theft or loss of fireworks to the State Fire Marshal within 24 hours after the discovery of theft or loss. The report shall show the quantity, type and kind, classification of fireworks and the location where the loss occurred.
12617. In the event of the theft or loss of any fireworks or pyrotechnic devices, the State Fire Marshal shall notify the fire authorities in the location where the theft or loss occurred and the fire authorities shall cooperate with the State Fire Marshal in conducting a joint investigation of the circumstances.
12618. Each bill of lading, manifest, and invoice issued to cover the sale and shipment of fireworks shall bear the license number of both the seller or shipper and buyer or receiver.
12619. All import and export licensees shall file a notice with the State Fire Marshal prior to the arrival of any class of fireworks subject to the license he holds. The notice shall state all of the following:
(a) Estimated date of arrival.
(b) Type, kind, and quantity of fireworks.
(c) Name of carrier.
(d) Point of origin and bill of lading number.
(e) Name and address of consignee.
(f) Load number or other identification carton marks.
12620. In addition to the report required under this part, the State Fire Marshal may by regulation require such additional reports from licensees or permittees as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this part, and prescribe the form, including verification of the information to be given when filing such additional reports.
12640. In any case where this chapter requires that a permit be obtained from the State Fire Marshal, or in any case where the public agency having local jurisdiction requires pursuant to this chapter that a permit be obtained, any licensee shall possess a valid permit before performing any of the following:
(a) Manufacturing, importing, exporting, storing, possessing, or selling dangerous fireworks at wholesale.
(b) Manufacturing, importing, exporting, storing, selling at wholesale and retail safe and sane fireworks and transporting safe and sane fireworks, except that a transportation permit shall not be required for safe and sane fireworks possessed by retail licensees.
(c) Manufacturing, importing, exporting, possessing, storing, transporting, using, selling at wholesale and retail, those fireworks classified by the State Fire Marshal as agricultural and wildlife fireworks.
(d) Manufacturing, importing, exporting, possessing, storing, selling at wholesale and retail, model rocket engines.
(e) Discharging dangerous fireworks at any place, including a public display.
(f) Using special effects.
12641. A permit, as provided in this part, shall not be required of any person to transport, purchase at retail, or use safe and sane fireworks, or to purchase at retail, use, or transport registered emergency signaling devices.
12642. The effective period of the permit shall be defined in the permit and in no case shall the period of the permit exceed the valid period of the license. This section shall not prohibit the revocation of the permit by the issuing authority for just cause where a fire nuisance exists or where personal injury may occur.
12643. Any licensee desiring to do any act specified in Section 12640 shall first make written application for a permit to the chief of the fire department or the chief fire prevention officer of the city or county, or to such other issuing authority which may be designated by the governing body of the city or county. In the event there is no such officer or person appointed within the area, application shall be made to the State Fire Marshal or his deputy. Applications for permits shall be made in writing at least 10 days prior to the proposed act.
12644. The issuing authority shall not accept an application for a permit from any person who does not possess, and present at the time of application, evidence of a valid license to perform those acts specified on the application for the permit. When a license is not required for specific acts, the issuing authority may prescribe such reasonable conditions to qualify the applicant to receive a permit and provide for the public safety.
12645. The officer to whom the application for a permit is made shall undertake an investigation and submit a report of his findings and his recommendation concerning the issuance of the permit, together with his reasons therefor, to the governing body of the city or county. The applicant for a permit to conduct a public display shall file a certificate evidencing the possession of a valid public display license with the officer making the investigation.
12646. The governing body may grant or deny the permit, subject to such reasonable conditions, if any, as it shall prescribe.
12647. The governing body may delegate the power to grant or deny the permit to the issuing authority to whom the application is made. In such case, the governing body shall also provide for a hearing by the governing body by which an applicant may appeal a denial of the permit. The governing body may, after such a hearing, reverse, modify, or sustain the denial.
12651. Any person holding a valid license for the manufacture, wholesale, or import and export of dangerous fireworks or pyrotechnic devices may transport any class of fireworks or pyrotechnic devices authorized by such license. Persons holding a special effects pyrotechnic operators license may transport special effects fireworks, but the transportation of fireworks by all other pyrotechnic operator licensees shall not be permitted. The authority
granted to the licensee to transport fireworks is limited to traveling upon the approved routes for the transportation of explosives designated as provided in Section 31616 of the Vehicle Code. The licensee shall also comply with Section 27903 of the Vehicle Code and equip and maintain any vehicle used to transport fireworks as required by Section 31610 of the Vehicle Code. It is the intent of the Legislature by this section to require the maximum use of the approved routes in the delivery of fireworks to the point of destination.
12652. When traveling between the approved routes, as specified in Section 12651, and the point of destination the licensee shall possess a transportation permit from the local fire authority having jurisdiction over the boundaries in
which the off-route travel occurs. A transportation permit is not required for public display fireworks as provided in Section 12650.
12653. The application for a transportation permit shall be submitted to the State Fire Marshal for the transportation
of any quantity of fireworks where such transportation is outside the boundaries of the issuing authority having jurisdiction at the point of origin or such shipment originates within this state and is transported out of this state. The application for a transportation permit as required by this section shall be approved by the issuing authority having jurisdiction at the place where the shipment originates before the State Fire Marshal shall issue such transportation permit. No further permits shall be required by issuing authorities other than the authority at the point of origin where the State Fire Marshal has issued a permit pursuant to this section.
12654. A transportation permit shall not be required by this part for public carriers or private carriers who each hold a valid license or permit issued pursuant to the provisions of Division 14 (commencing with Section 31600) of the Vehicle Code or Division 11 (commencing with Section 12000) of the Health and Safety Code.
12670. It is unlawful for any person to advertise that he is in any business or venture involving fireworks or pyrotechnic devices or shall cause his name or business name style to be included in any classified advertisement or directory under a classification which includes the word fireworks, unless he is licensed pursuant to this part.
12671. It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale, use, discharge, possess, store, or transport any type of fireworks within this state unless the State Fire Marshal has classified and registered such fireworks.
12672. It is unlawful for any person to sell, or offer for sale, safe and sane fireworks at any time outside of the period specified in Section 12599.
12673. It is unlawful for any person to store any fireworks without having in his possession a valid permit as required by this part.
12674. It is unlawful for any person to store or possess any fireworks for which a license is required and which has been revoked or surrendered or any license which has not been renewed and such storage or possession is held beyond the period provided for in Section 12604.
12675. It is unlawful for any person to fail to record on each bill of lading, manifest or invoice issued to cover the sale or shipment of fireworks, the license number of both the seller or shipper and the buyer or receiver, unless the sale or shipment is made to nonlicensees in accordance with the provisions of his license.
12676. It is unlawful for any person to sell, transfer, give, deliver, or otherwise convey title of any dangerous fireworks, including fireworks kits, to any person in this state who does not possess and present to the seller or donor for inspection at the time of transfer, a valid permit to receive, use, or transport dangerous fireworks as provided in this part.
12677. It is unlawful for any person to possess dangerous fireworks without holding a valid permit.
12679. It is unlawful for any person to store, sell, or discharge any type of fireworks in or within 100 feet of a location where gasoline or any other flammable liquids are stored or dispensed.
12680. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b) or (c), it is unlawful for any person to place, throw, discharge or ignite, or fire dangerous fireworks at or near any person or group of persons where there is a likelihood of injury to that person or group of persons or when the person willfully places, throws, discharges, ignites, or fires the fireworks with the intent of creating chaos, fear, or panic.
(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to a person described in Section 12517 who uses special effects. For purposes of this subdivision, “special effects” means articles containing any pyrotechnic composition manufactured and assembled, designed, or discharged in connection with television, theater, or motion picture productions, which may or may not be presented before live audiences, and any other articles containing any pyrotechnic composition used for commercial, industrial, educational, recreational, or entertainment purposes when authorized by the authority having jurisdiction.
(c) Subdivision (a) does not apply to a person holding a fireworks license issued pursuant to Chapter 5
(commencing with Section 12570).
12681. It is unlawful for any person to sell or transfer any safe and sane fireworks to a consumer or user thereof other than at a fixed place of business of a retailer for which a license and permit has been issued.
12682. It is unlawful for any person to allow or permit a fire nuisance, as defined in Section 12510, to exist on any premises where any fireworks are manufactured, sold, assembled, discharged, packaged, stored, or distributed. The authority to determine that a fire nuisance exists shall be vested in those officers identified in Section 12721.
12688. It is unlawful for any person to advertise to sell or transfer any class of fireworks, including agricultural and wildlife fireworks or model rocket engines, unless he possesses a valid license or permit.
12689. (a) It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or deliver any dangerous fireworks to any person under 18 years of age. (b) It is unlawful for any person who is a retailer to sell or transfer any safe and sane fireworks to a person who is under 16 years of age.
12690. It is unlawful for any person to perform any act, or transact or attempt to transact any business, with an expired license or an expired permit where a license or permit is required for the performance of such act or transaction.
12691. It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision of any regulation adopted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to this part.
12720. Any threatened violation of any provision of this part or of any order or regulation of the State Fire Marshal issued pursuant to this part may be enjoined in a civil action brought in the name of the people of the State of California. Such actions may be instituted by the Attorney General or the district attorney of the county in which the act, practice, or transaction is about to be committed.
12721. The State Fire Marshal, his or her salaried deputies, or any chief of a fire department, or his or her authorized representatives, any fire protection agency, or any other public agency authorized by statute to enforce the State Fire Marshal’s regulations, may seize any fireworks described in this part. The State Fire Marshal, any chief of a fire department, any fire protection agency, or any other public agency authorized to enforce the State Fire Marshal’s regulations may charge any person, firm, or corporation, whose fireworks are seized pursuant to this section, an amount which is sufficient to cover the cost of transporting, storing, and handling the seized fireworks. When the State Fire Marshal, other enforcing officer or agency described in this section, or a court determines that a person’s, firm’s, or corporation’s fireworks are illegally or erroneously seized, or if legal proceedings do not result in a
conviction for violation of any provision of this part, any funds collected pursuant to this section shall be refunded, or if charged but unpaid, canceled.
12722. The following fireworks may be seized pursuant to Section 12721:
(a) Those fireworks which are sold, offered for sale, possessed, stored, used, or transported within this state prior to having been examined, classified, and registered by the State Fire Marshal, except those specific items designated as samples pending examination, classification, and registration by the State Fire Marshal where the licensee provides documentary evidence that such action by the State Fire Marshal is pending.
(b) All imported fireworks possessed without benefit of the filing of notices as required by this part.
(c) Safe and sane fireworks stored in violation of the conditions required by the permit as provided in this part.
(d) Safe and sane fireworks sold or offered for sale at retail which do not bear the State Fire Marshal label of registration and firing instructions.
(e) Safe and sane fireworks sold or offered for sale at retail which are in unsealed packages or containers which do not bear the State Fire Marshal label of registration and firing instructions.
(f) Safe and sane fireworks sold or offered for sale at retail before 12 noon on the 28th day of June or after 12 noon on the sixth day of July of each year.
(g) Each safe and sane fireworks item sold or offered for sale at retail which does not have its fuse or other igniting device protected by a cap approved by the State Fire Marshal, or groups of fireworks with exposed fuses which are not enclosed in sealed packages which bear the State Fire Marshal label of registration. The State Fire Marshal shall approve such caps as he determines provide reasonable protection from unintentional ignition of the fireworks.
(h) Dangerous fireworks, including fireworks kits, used, possessed, stored, manufactured, or transported
by any person who does not possess a valid permit authorizing any activity listed in this part.
(i) Any fireworks stored or sold in any public garage or public oil station, or on any premises where gasoline or any other class 1 flammable liquids are stored or dispensed.
(j) Any fireworks still possessed by a person who has just thrown any ignited fireworks at any person or group of persons.
(k) Any model rocket engines or model rockets with engines possessed by any person not holding a valid permit.
(l) Any emergency signaling device sold, offered for sale, or used which does not bear the State Fire Marshal label of registration as required by this part.
(m) Any fireworks or pyrotechnic device offered for sale by any person violating any provision of this part.
12723. The authority seizing any fireworks under the provisions of this chapter shall notify the State Fire Marshal not more than three days following the date of seizure and shall state the reason for the seizure and the quantity, type, and location of the fireworks. Any fireworks, with the exception of dangerous fireworks, seized pursuant to Section 12721 shall be disposed of by the State Fire Marshal in the manner prescribed by the State Fire Marshal at any time subsequent to 60 days from the seizure or 10 days from the final termination of proceedings under the provisions of Section 12593 or Section 12724, whichever is later. Dangerous fireworks shall be disposed of according to procedures in Sections 12724 and 12726. Any fireworks seized by any authority as defined in this chapter, other than the State Fire Marshal or his or her salaried assistants, shall be held in trust for the State Fire Marshal by that authority.
12724. (a) Any person whose fireworks are seized under the provisions of this chapter may, within 10 days after seizure, petition the State Fire Marshal to return the fireworks seized upon the ground that the fireworks were illegally or erroneously seized. Any petition filed pursuant to this section shall be considered by the State Fire Marshal within 15 days after filing or after a hearing granted to the petitioner, if requested. The State Fire Marshal shall advise the petitioner of his or her decision in writing. The determination of the State Fire Marshal is final unless within 60 days after seizure an action is commenced in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of California for the recovery of the fireworks seized pursuant to this part, except as provided in subdivision (b).
(b) The determination of the State Fire Marshal is final in the case of the seizure of dangerous fireworks, unless within 20 days after the notice of the determination is mailed to the petitioner an action is commenced in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of California for the recovery of the fireworks seized pursuant to this part.
12726. The dangerous fireworks seized pursuant to this part shall be disposed of by the State Fire Marshal in the manner prescribed by the State Fire Marshal at any time after the final determination of proceedings under Section12724, or upon final termination of proceedings under Section 12593, whichever is later. If no proceedings are commenced pursuant to Section 12724, the State Fire Marshal may dispose of the fireworks after all of the following requirements are satisfied:
(a) A random sampling of the dangerous fireworks has been taken, as defined by regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 12552.
(b) The analysis of the random sampling has been completed.
(c) Photographs have been taken of the dangerous fireworks to be destroyed.
(d) The State Fire Marshal has given written approval for the destruction of the dangerous fireworks. This approval shall specify the total weight of the dangerous fireworks seized, the total weight of the dangerous fireworks to be destroyed, and the total weight of the dangerous fireworks not to be destroyed.
