Bonfire Night rules: Is it illegal to set off fireworks in the street?

BONFIRE Night is upon us and with it comes the use of fireworks throughout the UK.

But amid reports of the pyrotechnics being set off late at night and causing harm to others, extra advice is being issued ahead of the festivities. Here’s all you need to know.

Fireworks are bought and used during Bonfire Night

Is it illegal to set off fireworks in the street?

It is illegal to set off fireworks in the street in the UK.

The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.

If you’re thinking about using fireworks you should also check with your council to find out about any local rules for setting them off.

You can be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for up to six months for selling or using fireworks illegally – you could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.

The law also says you must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for Bonfire Night when the cut off is midnight.

On New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year the cut off is 1am.

How old do you need to be to buy fireworks?

“Adult” fireworks cannot be purchased by under 18s – this doesn’t include things like party poppers.

The supermarkets are also only selling them in store only rather than online.

Since 2019, Sainsbury’s has not sold any fireworks.

The legal classification of fireworks is as follows:

Category 1s are fireworks which can be handled by children with adult supervision. Examples can include everything from party poppers and Christmas crackers to sparklers.
Category 2 or 3 fireworks are the standard fireworks you would see in displays such as standard rockets. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy, handle or set up category 2 or 3 fireworks.
Category 4s are the dangerous types which can only be used by the professionals. These are banned for sale to the general public and can only be bought from specialist retailers.

Getty Images – Getty Generally, you must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, but the rules are different on New Year’s Eve[/caption]

What are the Bonfire Night rules?

According to the London Fire Brigade, there is a safety code you should follow when setting off fireworks:

Only buy fireworks with the British Standard Kitemark BS7114.
Don’t drink alcohol and set off fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a closed box and follow the instructions carefully.
Light them at arm’s length using a taper, stand well back.
Never go back to them once they are lit. Even if a firework hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
Never throw fireworks or put them in your pocket.
Do not give sparklers to children under five. Once sparklers have gone out, they are still hot so put them in a bucket of water.
Keep your pets indoors if you’re setting off fireworks.