UK fireworks rule could land you £5,000 fine or even prison this Bonfire Night

04 November 2023 , 07:00

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Bonfire Night is this Sunday (November 5) (Image: Getty Images)

Brits risk a £5,000 or six months in prison this Bonfire Night (November 5) if they use fireworks illegally.

It is against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am in England and Wales, apart from on certain occasions. Bonfire Night is an exception, when the latest you can set off fireworks is midnight.

New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year have later cut-offs, with fireworks allowed until 1am. The rules surrounding fireworks are set out in the Fireworks Regulations 2004.

There are restrictions on when fireworks can be sold as well. You can only buy them during these periods:

• October 15 to November 10

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• December 26 to December 31

• On the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it

• On the day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding it

Outside of these timeframes, shops need a special licence to supply fireworks, either from their local council, fire service or Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess an "adult" fireworks. This includes category F2, F3 fireworks, which are low and medium hazard fireworks intended for open areas, and F4 fireworks, which can only be used by registered pyrotechnicians.

For party poppers, you have to be aged 16 or older. If you're planning on setting off fireworks this week, Gov.uk advises you to check with your council to find out about any local rules for setting off fireworks.

How to be safe this Bonfire Night

Fireworks can be dangerous in small spaces, such as confined gardens. You must ensure you can put a considerable distance between your guests and the fireworks or bonfire, and also check you can safely set the fireworks off.

For example, if you only have a concrete outdoor space, the chances are you won’t be able to securely fix the fitting that holds fireworks when they go off. This means they could be at risk of toppling over after being ignited.

You should let you neighbours know if you're setting off fireworks so they can be prepared, as loud displays can be stressful for animals and vulnerable people. Finally, if you're renting, you should also check your tenancy agreement to see if there are any clauses which restrict you from hosting firework and bonfire displays.

Even if such a clause doesn't, tenants are still strongly advised to speak to their landlord beforehand in order to avoid any potential conflict.

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