Police have clarified the rules on fireworks for Bonfire Night, including curfew hours and the penalties for breaking them. The guidance was shared on Ask The Police, a website run by police forces across the UK, in response to a question about fireworks regulations.
Fireworks rules and age limits
It is an offence to possess adult fireworks—defined as all fireworks except category 1 items such as party poppers, sparklers, and throwdowns—in a public place by anyone under 18. It is also illegal to possess category 4 fireworks, which are professional display fireworks, unless you are a fireworks professional.
Supplying adult fireworks to anyone under 18 is prohibited. Throwing, casting, or firing any firework in or into a highway, street, thoroughfare, or public space is also an offence, including throwing or firing from a private place into a public area. Additionally, it is an offence to light any fire or discharge any firearm or firework without lawful authority within 50 feet of the centre of a highway that comprises a carriageway, if the highway is damaged as a consequence.
Curfew hours and exceptions
There is a curfew on the use of adult fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on specific dates. On Bonfire Night, the curfew runs from midnight to 7am. On New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year, and Diwali Night, the curfew runs from 1am to 7am.
Police say anyone setting off fireworks outside the curfew could face punishment, including a heavy fine and up to six months in jail. Using fireworks in a way that causes a nuisance may also amount to an offence.
Penalties and buying rules
Gov.uk confirms that setting off fireworks past the curfew could lead to trouble and urges people to check with their local council for any local rules. Fireworks, including sparklers, can only be bought from registered sellers for private use on certain dates: October 15 to November 10, December 26 to 31, and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year.
At other times, fireworks can only be bought from licensed shops. Selling or using fireworks illegally can result in an unlimited fine and imprisonment for up to 6 months, or an on-the-spot fine of £90.
