Full Notification

The La Quinta Police Department in cooperation with the La Quinta Fire Department and La Quinta Code Enforcement would like to remind the members of the public of the dangers of fireworks. The La Quinta Police Department want to tell all residents and visitors to enjoy the Independence Day holiday season, beginning Friday, July 3rd and running through Monday, July 6th. We also want to make sure everyone stays safe and remind them to not drink and drive.

Every year thousands of people, many of them children, are injured while using fireworks. According to the Center for Disease Control, about 10,000 people are treated each year for fireworks-related injuries. Of that number, the majority are children.

Although fireworks are traditionally part of many July 4th celebrations, the dry summer months and sustained drought conditions in our area make fireworks displays too dangerous. “Safe and Sane” fireworks are offered for sale and use in some cities within the Coachella Valley, these fireworks must not be used outside of the cities where they were purchased. The City of La Quinta has banned all possession, use, and discharge of fireworks. Because fireworks are prohibited in the City of La Quinta, we ask all of our residents and visitors to comply with the law. “Each year, the police respond to several incidents where fireworks are confiscated and violators are issued citations or arrested for possession of illegal fireworks. - Lt. David Walton, Assistant Chief of Police.

The discharging of firearms into the air is also a hazard during the Fourth of July holiday. “Discharging a firearm into the air can harm or kill someone and is a felony punishable by over one year in prison.” - Lt. David Walton

The La Quinta Police will have extra officers deployed over the weekend focused upon arresting drunk drivers and those using illegal fireworks or negligently discharging firearms. We would like to remind everyone “If your celebration includes drinking alcohol, don’t drive. You may be risking your own independence by ending up in jail. Impaired drivers also risk injuring or killing themselves and anyone else on the road.” - Lt. David Walton

Protecting the safety of the public is a top priority and we enforce a "zero tolerance" policy with regard to citizens in possession of illegal fireworks. Those caught with illegal fireworks will be subject to fines, citations, arrest and confiscation of all illegal fireworks. We urge you to leave the fireworks to the professionals.

If anyone wants to report an illegal use of fireworks or a drunk driver, they are encouraged to call 911, or (760) 836-3215 to get in contact with our dispatchers.