AS Bonfire Night approaches, many will be celebrating by setting off fireworks and watching as they light up the night sky.
But before doing so, it's important to know the rules around fireworks and what you can and can't do during Bonfire Night celebrations.
Is it illegal to set off fireworks in the street?
The answer is yes - 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.
According to section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875, '' A public place is anywhere other than someone's own back garden – the local park, streets, school yard and bus station are all 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.
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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 outside permitted hours.
These hours vary depending on the time of year and occasion - however, the general rule is that between 11pm and 7am fireworks should not be set off, 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.
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If a person aged 18 and over is found to be using fireworks outside the permitted hours, they could find themselves being fined £80.
Other penalties could include being issued with acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs), dispersal notices or injunctions.
How old do you need to be to buy fireworks?
“Adult” fireworks cannot be purchased by under 18s and it is an offence to do so.
All places of business that sell fireworks must display a notice which states: "It is illegal to sell adult fireworks or sparklers to anyone under the age of 18 and it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess adult fireworks or sparklers in a public place"
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.
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.