GILROY
– The minimum legal penalty for possession of illegal fireworks
in California is a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in
jail, or both.
GILROY – The minimum legal penalty for possession of illegal fireworks in California is a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.
Possession of a larger amount for illegal fireworks, where the net weight of explosive matter exceeds one pound, carries a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine, a year in jail or both. One pound of explosive material can be found in 16 small festival balls, 50 Roman candles, 119 large bottle rockets, 1,000 small bottle rockets or 34,000 tiny firecrackers.
M-80s, “silver salutes,” brown bombers” and dynamite are considered explosives, not fireworks, and the state treats them more severely. It is a felony to possess these.
The following city-permitted booths will be open from July 1 to midnight on July 4. Any fireworks purchased anywhere other than at these booths are considered illegal and dangerous by the city:
Fireworks booths
First Street
• Gavilan College Football Boosters
• Victory Outreach
• Karazenpo Karate Association
• American Legion Las Animas Post 669
• Gilroy Community Services Therapeutic Recreation
• Gilroy Little League Ball Park Fund
• El Camino Squad Club (CHP)
• Stick & Move Amateur Boxing
Monterey Street
• Christian School Parents Club
• GHS Cheerleaders Booster Club
Tenth Street
• GHS Quarterback Club
• Gilroy Youth Football Cheerleaders
Arroyo Circle
• Apostolic Assembly Church
Chestnut Street
• Gilroy Pop Warner Football
Church Street and Welburn Avenue
• Gilroy Police Officers Association
San Ysidro Avenue
• Gilroy Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
