New fireworks rule comes with increased penalties

The City of San Bernardino has implemented a new ordinance that expands fines to up to $10,000 and can hold property owners and renters accountable for illegal fireworks by their guests.

Key provisions of the law include:

• A social host liability – making property owners or those in control of a property responsible for illegal fireworks used on or near their property.
• Holding adults accountable when minors under their care unlawfully use fireworks.
• Making it unlawful to knowingly be a spectator at illegal fireworks events.
• The City can recover response costs associated with fireworks-related violations, in addition to existing fines and penalties.

The San Bernardino Police Department will also be using drone technology to identify the use of illegal fireworks.

This is in addition to current laws that:

• Prohibit fireworks of any kind north of the 210 Freeway.
• Prohibit dangerous fireworks (those that fly through the air, move across the ground, or explode) anywhere in the City.
• Only allow “safe and sane” fireworks between noon on July 1 and midnight on July 4.

To report the illegal use of fireworks, please call the San Bernardino Police Department at (909) 383-5311. If your information leads to a conviction, you will be eligible for a $250.00 reward.

For more information on the new laws, please visit https://www.sanbernardino.gov/462/Fireworks-Safety.