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Motor vehicle drivers

Firework Safety: Key Laws to Know in the UK this Bonfire Night

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bonfire Night is around the corner, and with it comes the excitement of fireworks displays. However, it's essential to be aware of the laws surrounding fireworks in the UK, particularly when it comes to transporting them in your car. Storing too many fireworks in your vehicle or keeping them for too long can lead to a fine. In this article, we'll break down the key laws to know around fireworks in the UK.

Key Takeaways:

  • You can carry up to 50kg of Hazard Type 4 fireworks for no longer than 21 days without a licence, provided they are not for sale or use at work.
  • You can keep up to 100kg of hazard type 3 fireworks for up to 5 consecutive days without a licence, provided they are kept in their place of intended use.
  • If you wish to store a larger quantity of fireworks or more powerful fireworks, you will need a licence from your local licensing authority.
  • Buying more than 50kg of fireworks requires a licence and production of it upon purchase.
  • Rules around storing fireworks in a car are not only about avoiding fines but also pose serious risks to safety.
  • Fireworks can only be used during specified hours (midnight to 7am on Bonfire Night and 1am to 7am on New Year's Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year).
  • Motorists can be fined an unlimited amount, jailed for up to six months, and receive an on-the-spot fine of £90 for selling or using fireworks illegally.
  • It's against the law to buy fireworks for private use outside of registered sellers on specified dates (October 15 to November 10, December 26 to 31, three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year).
  • Anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to buy 'adult' (category 2 and 3) fireworks.

Statistics:

  • Up to 50kg of Hazard Type 4 fireworks can be carried for 21 days without a licence.
  • Up to 100kg of hazard type 3 fireworks can be kept for up to 5 consecutive days without a licence.
  • Insurance providers may not provide cover while fireworks are present in the vehicle.
  • Up to £300 fine and 6 penalty points on the licence for breaking storage restrictions.
  • On-the-spot fine of £90 for selling or using fireworks illegally.
  • Up to six months imprisonment for selling or using fireworks illegally.

Sources:

  • The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) [1]
  • Leasing Options Chief Operating Officer Mike Thompson [2]

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