Ah, Bonfire Night! An evening where the sky becomes a kaleidoscope of colours and our faces are warmed by the crackling glow of a fire. It’s a celebration that brings people across the UK together but amidst the captivating sights and sounds, lurks a less than sparkly statistic. Bonfire Night sees a spike in car accidents, especially ones involving children. This is mostly due to increased activity on the roads for both cars and pedestrians, being distracted and the illegal transportation of fireworks. How do we enjoy the magic of the evening, whilst keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe? One way is by paying careful attention to how we transport those dazzling fireworks to our celebration spots - believe it or not, carrying fireworks in your vehicle isn’t as simple as tossing them in the boot and heading off to your festivities. There’s a bundle of rules wrapped around the safe and legal transportation of fireworks and slipping up could see you faced with fines soaring into the hundreds.
Navigating firework rules this Bonfire Night
It's all fun and games until the rules come into play, right? We are here to make even the legal bits a breeze. Before you pack up your vehicle with an array of sparkling fireworks and zoom off into the night, let’s dive into the details to make sure your evening is dampened by any legal surprises. These rules are there for the safety of you and others, so it’s important to not take them lightly when you’re transporting dangerous cargo.
The 50kg rule: a hefty matter
The law is pretty clear when it comes to buying and transporting fireworks: unless you’re holding a valid registration or licence, you’re limited to 50kg. You must also be 18 years old and above to even be able to buy the fireworks in the first place. 50kg may sound like a lot, but you'd be surprised how quickly it adds up with a few boxes of Catherine wheels and rockets in the boot. The reason behind all of this isn’t to be a party pooper — it’s to ensure safety on the roads and minimise the risks associated with transporting explosive materials, particularly if you are involved in an accident enroute.
Penalties, Points, and Payouts: The Consequences of illegal firework transportation
Ignoring the 50kg rule or other guidelines for safe transportation of fireworks can burn a hole in your festivities and your wallet. If you’re caught breaking these rules, a stark £300 fine could be coming your way and it’s not an ideal amount of money on the lead-up to Christmas. And it doesn’t stop there - you’ll also be slapped with six penalty points on your driving licence and if you’re a new driver, this could mean it will get revoked. If a new driver gets six points within two years of passing, it is cancelled. If this happens, you will need to apply for and buy another provisional licence and then retake your theory and practical test.
But wait, there’s a sparkler-sized kicker: violating these rules could also invalidate your insurance cover. That means if you have an accident or need to make a claim and it is discovered you are carrying explosive cargo illegally, you’ll be dipping into your own pocket to cover the costs. Talk about taking the snap, crackle and pop out of your evening. If you’re not sure or don’t have the correct licencing to carry this sort of cargo, don’t take the risk.
Steering Clear of Trouble: How to Transport Fireworks Safely
Fireworks: a cascade of colours, moments of awe, and a collective “Ooh” and “Aah” from the crowd. But behind the fun and spectacle, there is a real danger. That’s why, even if you’re well under the 50kg limit, making sure your fireworks are transported safely is still hugely important.
Planning your own sky-lighting display this Bonfire Night? Let’s walk through a few fundamental steps to make sure the journey from shop to showcase is smooth and safe. Remember, these rules are here to keep you and others safe, especially if you have passengers as well.
Check what your insurance covers
Before your fireworks even leave the shop, make sure your car insurance covers their transport. Some providers extend coverage for drivers transporting fireworks intended for personal displays, but never assume - always confirm! If you are to get into a car accident whilst transporting fireworks and you’re not covered in the right way, it could become void - meaning you’ll have to pay for all repairs yourself.
Remove anything flammable
Perhaps one of the most important things to remember - remove anything combustible from your car. And we aren’t just talking about spare jerry cans of fuel. Whether it’s paint thinner or matches, anything flammable has to go to make transportation extra safe. The risk is too large even for smaller journeys, so always take extra precaution.
Get the right packaging
Pre-packed fireworks usually come nestled in spark-resistant packaging. However, individually sold items may not. To sidestep unnecessary risks, keep them in a large, lidded plastic container, like a household storage box for extra protection. This is also another reason why you should remove flammables from your car.
Keep fireworks in the boot
It might seem convenient to pop the fireworks on the back seat, especially if the boot is full. But in the spirit of safety, ensuring they’re as far from the passenger area as possible is a good idea, adding a layer of protection between you and them. If you store them in the boot, ensure that the fireworks are stored securely so they’re not moving around the boot space and potentially causing them damage that could set them off.
Move the fireworks from the car
A vehicle left in the overnight chill can become a damp environment, especially if it rains. This can make the explosive material inside your fireworks unstable, or even cause it to leak in your car. That’s why you should move them (still in the box) to a dry, cool, indoor space away from the little ones.
Avoid Fines this Bonfire Night
Taking extra care and exercising precaution means that you not only avoid excessive fines, but also prioritise the safety of yourself and loved ones. If you’re concerned about travelling with fireworks and aren’t really sure how to go about it or don’t have the relevant legislation, it may be best to book a nightly excursion with the family to a bonfire rather than taking the risk. If you do take fireworks home, following the law can be the difference between a good night with family and an eye-watering fine and penalty points.
We have a range of accessories available to give your car some added protection and to make travelling easier for your lifestyle. If you like to treat yourself to another car instead that offers safety and comfort no matter where you drive to, then take a look at the range of new and used cars we have available. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.
