What are the rules on fireworks?

For people buying or setting off fireworks in England, Scotland or Wales.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

You can't set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except until midnight on Bonfire Night and 1am on New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

You must be 18 to buy adult fireworks.
Registered sellers can sell them from 15 October to 10 November and 26 to 31 December.
Setting off fireworks in the street is illegal.
You could get a £90 on-the-spot fine.

Different in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Scotland has its own fireworks law, the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, which sets its own limits on when fireworks can be sold and used.
In Northern Ireland, you need a fireworks licence from the Department of Justice to buy, have or use fireworks, except indoor fireworks and sparklers.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

No fireworks 11pm to 7am
Bonfire Night: until midnight
Sales from 15 October

The key rules

Rule	Detail
Age to buy adult fireworks	18
Normal curfew	No fireworks between 11pm and 7am
Bonfire Night (5 November)	Allowed until midnight
New Year's Eve, Diwali, Chinese New Year	Allowed until 1am
Public places	Never set off or throw fireworks, including sparklers, in the street or other public places

"Adult" fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks. Category 4 fireworks can only be used by professionals.

When shops can sell fireworks

Registered sellers can sell fireworks to the public on these dates only:

15 October to 10 November
26 to 31 December
3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year

At other times of year, you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.

Planning a garden display

Buy from a registered or licensed seller during the selling dates. You must be 18.
Check the time. Finish by 11pm on most nights, by midnight on 5 November, and by 1am on New Year's Eve, Diwali or Chinese New Year.
Use your own garden or private land you have permission to use. Not the street, a park or other public place.
Tell neighbours in advance. It helps people with pets or young children prepare.

Penalties

Selling or using fireworks illegally can lead to an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison.
You could also get an on the spot fine of £90.

Example: setting off rockets in your back garden at 11.30pm on 31 October breaks the curfew, because the 11pm cut off applies that night. The same display at 11.30pm on 5 November is allowed.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

Scotland has its own fireworks law, the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, so the GOV.UK rules above may not match. Check with your local council before buying or using fireworks.

Northern Ireland rules are stricter:

You must not have, buy or use fireworks (apart from indoor fireworks and sparklers) unless you hold a fireworks licence.
Indoor fireworks (category F1) must not be sold to anyone under 16. Garden and display fireworks (F2 and F3) must not be sold to anyone under 18.
Do not give sparklers to children under 5.
Fireworks offences carry a maximum fine of £5,000, up to 3 months in prison, or both.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Check local rules

Common questions

Can I buy fireworks outside the selling dates?

Registered sellers can also sell them for 3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.

What is the penalty for using fireworks illegally?

You can get an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison for selling or using fireworks illegally.

Can I use sparklers in the street?

No. You must not set off or throw fireworks, including sparklers, in the street or other public places.

Who can use category 4 fireworks?

Category 4 fireworks can only be used by professionals.

Official sources

1.Fireworks: the lawwww.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law
2.Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2022/9/contents
3.Fireworks (Northern Ireland)www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/fireworks

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

Ask about your situation

Please don't include your name, address, National Insurance number or health details. See our privacy notice.