UK fireworks laws: curfews, fines and reporting rules explained

Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 11:48 · Archive

Fireworks can legally be set off between 7am and 11pm, extended to midnight on Bonfire Night, with penalties for breaches.

Fireworks in the UK are subject to strict time restrictions. They can legally be set off on private property between 7am and 11pm, though this is extended on certain occasions. On Bonfire Night, 5 November, fireworks can be used until midnight. On New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, the cut-off is 1am. Outside these permitted hours, it is illegal to set off most fireworks.

Breaking these rules can result in penalties. The Daily Express reports that setting off fireworks outside permitted hours can result in fines of up to £90. Fireworks must not be set off or thrown in streets or other public places.

If a neighbour is setting off fireworks illegally, residents have options. Paula Moses, Legal Director at Blacks Solicitors, advises: 'The simplest first step is to speak to your neighbour, explain the disruption and see whether you can reach a mutual agreement.' If fireworks are being used outside the permitted hours, the disturbance can be reported to police through an online report or by calling 101. Calling 999 is reserved for situations where there is immediate danger to life or a crime in progress, such as fireworks being deliberately thrown at people or property.

Fireworks can also cause a noise nuisance before the 11pm curfew. If the disturbance is persistent or excessive, residents can complain to their local council's environmental health team, which can investigate whether the noise amounts to a statutory nuisance. However, giving neighbours advance notice if you plan to use fireworks is not a legal obligation, though many local authorities suggest it.

Emergency services across the UK are preparing for potential disorder on Bonfire Night. Some communities have already experienced unrest in the days leading up to 5 November, with police using enhanced powers such as dispersal orders to tackle groups letting off fireworks in public places. Seven people were arrested in Birmingham on Halloween after fireworks were set off in the city centre. A major policing operation is taking place in Scotland, described as the largest since a visit by US President Donald Trump last year.

How it is being reported

• Should fireworks be banned? Mirror readers have their say on Bonfire night celebrationsAs police and firefighters around UK brace for Bonfire Night, debate is raging about the future of fireworks as millions prepare to put on a sky show this eveningThe Mirror · 5 Nov, 13:15
• Police and firefighters around UK gearing up to tackle Bonfire Night disorderLeeds and Edinburgh among areas hit by fireworks-related violence in previous years, as fire brigades union warns of insufficient resources Emergency services are preparing for potential disorder in parts of the UK on Bonfire Night, amid concerns over the safety of firefighters from rising attacks and shortages of resources. Some communities have already been hit by unrest and antisocial behaviour in the days leading up to 5 November, with police in multiple towns and cities using enhanced powers such as dispersal orders to tackle groups letting off fireworks in public places. Continue…Guardian World · 5 Nov, 11:24
• Lawyer settles debate on what to do about neighbour’s late night fireworksA legal expert has explained when residents can report disruptive fireworks on and beyond Bonfire NightThe Mirror · 5 Nov, 10:42
• Lawyer explains your rights if neighbours are setting off fireworksResidents have several options if fireworks disturb their homes on Bonfire Night and beyondDaily Express · 5 Nov, 10:33
• Neighbours warned over fireworks rule that could land them with £90 fineA barrister has clarified exactly when neighbours must stop setting off fireworks, warning that breaking the rules could result in a hefty fineDaily Express · 5 Nov, 07:00
• From curfews to £90 fines: Your legal rights explained ahead of Bonfire NightThe UK has strict firework laws in place, which can result in hefty fines and even imprisonmentThe Independent · 4 Nov, 10:51

In this story: Palace of Westminster · UK · England and Wales · Blacks Solicitors · Paula Moses · Daniel Barnett · Scotland · Birmingham

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log