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RIO RANCHO — Local entities are reminding the community about fireworks regulations ahead of the Fourth of July.
For most including city of Rio Rancho, village of Corrales and town of Bernalillo, the “Safe and Sane” rule applies.
Safe and Sane marked fireworks are non-explosive works that do not have aerial effects.
According to the city of Rio Rancho website, fireworks that go higher than 10 feet and are louder than a cap gun are prohibited.
“For a number of years, the city of Rio Rancho has had its ban in place regarding all of the types of fireworks it can legally prohibit under state statute. Only changes to state law would give the city of Rio Rancho authority to ban the sale and use of currently legal fireworks in the community,” the city website reads.
The city’s noise ordinance, which was enacted last July, will not apply to fireworks.
“The decibel level limits do not apply to any public or private legally permitted fireworks displays,” it states.
If people believe illegal fireworks are being sold or used in Rio Rancho, the city urges they contact the public safety non-emergency telephone number, 505-891-7226.
People caught with illegal fireworks will have them taken away and will have to pay a fine of $500, be imprisoned for 90 days or both.
"City representatives will seize, take, remove or cause to be removed at the expense of the owner all stocks of noncomplying fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored or held in violation of city ordinance. Each instance of violation of city ordinance shall constitute a separate offense," the city's website said.
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That penalty also applies for people who ignite any types of fireworks, "starting or maintaining any fire, or smoking in the Rio Rancho bosque, which is prohibited by city ordinances at all times," the city's website said.
Corrales’ and Bernalillo’s fireworks penalties carry a misdemeanor charge, which can result in fines and time in jail.
