MANY Brits could be looking at a hefty fine this weekend for lighting their fireworks illegally.
Preparations have begun for Bonfire Night as many are choosing to avoid the crowds and host their own firework displays this weekend.
However, large numbers of people could be looking at unlimited fines for lighting their fireworks at the wrong time, and in the wrong place.
According to Gov.UK, fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am.
However, times differ for specific occasions, such as Bonfire Night and New Years Celebrations.
Fireworks can be set off on Bonfire Night until midnight.
The cut off for fireworks on New Years Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year is extended to 1am.
You could face an on-the-spot fine for using fireworks illegally, as well as unlimited fines or even 6 months in prison.
Gov.UK also says that fireworks are not permitted to be set off or thrown in public places or on the street.
It is an offence to cast or light any fireworks from a private property into a public place such as a street or park.
It is also illegal to use sparklers in public places.
You must be over 18 to buy fireworks in the UK and they can only be purchased from registered sellers at specific times of the year.
Fireworks can be bought between the 15 October and 10 November and 26 to 31 December.
Fireworks are given different categories depending on their purpose, ranging from category F1 to F4.
If you intend on hosting your own firework display, you can use F2 and F3 categories for garden and display purposes.
F4 fireworks can only be used by professionals.
SAFETY TIPS FOR FIREWORKS
from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks
- Only buy fireworks which carry the CE or UKCA marks, keep them in a closed box, and use them one at a time
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
- Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit
- Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
- Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
- Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
You could also face a fine of up to £50,000 for lighting a bonfire with the wrong materials.
Fire Services across the UK are expected to be four times busier this weekend tackling garden fires and responding to Bonfire Night related events.
Bonfire Night is celebrated every November 5 in the United Kingdom to commemorate Guy Fawkes' foiled gunpowder plot to blow up parliament in 1605.
If you believe somebody is letting fireworks off outside permitted times or in the street, you should the police on 101, or 999 if there is an emergency.
Check with your council for local rules on fireworks and bonfires.
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