Fullerton Police Department
November 18, 2025
THE FIRST READING OF THE ORDINANCE ADDING PROPOSED CHAPTER 7.14 TO THE FULLERTON MUNICIPAL CODE, PROHIBITING THE UNLAWFUL SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF NITROUS OXIDE IN THE CITY
Background
Growing recreational misuse of Nitrous Oxide, an odorless, colorless gas commonly used as a medical anesthetic.
Aka: NOX, laughing gas, or whippets.
Existing State law leaves loopholes.
Establish local regulation to prohibit unlawful sale/distribution.
Align Fullerton with other Orange County cities’ regulations on Nitrous Oxide.
Background Data
Steady increase of incidents associated to Nitrous Oxide from 2020-2025 Arrests associated with Nitrous Oxide offenses increased by 328%. 700% increase in Nitrous Oxide involvement in traffic collisions. 12 DUIs and 1 suspected overdose with Nitrous Oxide.
NOS Related
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Arrests
32 48
71 146
152
137
DUI’s
2 2
2 1
1 4
Traffic Collisions
2 4
7 6
11 16
Overdoses
1 Current State Law
Prohibition of sales to minors (CPC 381c)
Furnishing with knowledge of intent to use recreationally (CPC 381d) Vendors are required to record each transaction (CPC 381e)
Examples of Nitrous Oxide for Sale
Intent of Proposed Ordinance
Reduce public access to Nitrous Oxide for recreational abuse.
Decrease health/safety incidents associated to recreational Nitrous Oxide use.
Closes State law loopholes.
More tools for local law enforcement intervention.
Helps protect vulnerable populations.
Violators are subject to a misdemeanor citation/arrest and up to $1,000 civil fine.
Outreach
If passed, the Fullerton Police Department will follow up with existing vendors to educate them on the new ordinance.
FPD will create a social media campaign regarding the new ordinance and the risks of the recreational use of Nitrous Oxide.
Any Questions?