Usually, the use of fireworks is not allowed between certain hours of the day
Fireworks may be a New Year’s favourite, but using them incorrectly could result in an ‘on-the-spot’ £90 fine. The Mirror has now explored the key rules on where, when, and how they can be used in 2026.
The Fireworks Regulation 2004, which applies to much of the UK, contains specific provisions aimed at reducing risks to nearby property, people, and animals. Under this law, it’s illegal not only to buy ‘adult’ fireworks if you’re under 18, but also to set them off during certain hours.
On a typical day, fireworks are not permitted between 11 pm and 7 am, but this schedule changes on specific occasions, such as New Year’s Eve and Diwali. Instead, many areas allow fireworks to go off between 7am and 1am the following day, after which the normal rules come back into effect.
Beyond this, people are generally required to purchase fireworks only from registered sellers between October 15 and November 10, December 26 and 31, or three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. This includes sparklers, and the highest noise level allowed for consumer fireworks is currently 120 decibels.
Official advice on the UK Government’s website also summarises: “You cannot buy ‘adult’ fireworks if you’re under 18, and it’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11 pm and 7 am, except on certain occasions. Adult fireworks are category two and three fireworks – they do not include things like party poppers.
“Category four fireworks can only be used by professionals. The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places.”
Before setting off fireworks in your area, make sure to check with your local council for any specific rules that may differ. The Government warns that you can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for six months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also receive a £90 on-the-spot fine.
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While the sale of fireworks is regulated in Scotland by the UK Government, their use is considered a devolved matter, so some rules may differ. In Northern Ireland, rules also vary significantly, requiring a valid fireworks licence for anyone wanting to buy, possess, or use fireworks, except for indoor fireworks and sparklers. You can find out more information about UK-focused rules here.
In November, the Government also issued an important update in response to calls for a nationwide ban on the public sale of fireworks. It came as over 180,000 people had signed a petition which argues that unregulated use of fireworks is a threat to vulnerable people and an ‘act of wide-scale cruelty to animals’.
Although the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) recognised that fireworks can have a negative impact on people, animals, and property, but stressed that they also bring joy to many others. In a response, it explained: “The Government recognises the negative impact fireworks can have on some people and animals. However, when used responsibly, they are a source of enjoyment for many people.
“The Government’s intention is to minimise the negative impact of fireworks and to support their considerate use, while reducing the risks and disturbances to individuals, animals, and property. The majority of individuals who use fireworks do so in a responsible and safe manner and there are enforcement mechanisms in place to tackle situations when fireworks are misused.”
While there are no plans to ban fireworks sales, the DBT has initiated a fireworks campaign this year aimed at promoting responsible use and reducing the impact on animal welfare. As part of this, people are encouraged to use low-noise fireworks as part of this campaign or to visit a public display instead.
The online response continued: “Public displays are more likely to be well-publicised, providing people with an opportunity to prepare ahead of the display taking place. The campaign also includes new guidance for those running community fireworks events, and social media posts that emphasise the risks from the misuse of fireworks. This supplements existing guidance from Government and other organisations that is available to help people to use fireworks safely and appropriately.”
You can view the petition and its response in full here.
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