As Bonfire Night celebrations reach their climax this weekend, drivers are being warned of potential fines of up to £1,000 and six penalty points for offences linked to firework-related hazards. The highest risk period falls on Friday and Saturday nights when firework displays are most frequent.
Richard Evans, Head of Technical Services at webuyanycar, highlights a common yet overlooked danger: parking vehicles too close to fireworks can result in debris settling on windows and mirrors, impairing visibility and breaking legal safety requirements.
“British drivers have a legal duty to ensure their vehicle is safe to operate at all times,” explained Mr Evans. “If firework debris obstructs your view and you continue driving, you risk a penalty of up to £1,000 — whether you’re at a public event or celebrating at home.”
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It’s also important to note that setting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am is generally prohibited, with exceptions only on Bonfire Night (midnight to 7am), New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year (1am to 7am).
The government’s ‘Fireworks: Be Safe, Not Sorry’ campaign advises motorists to keep a safe distance from firework zones — ideally a minimum dropping zone of 100 metres by 50 metres — to minimize the risk of debris landing on vehicles.
Even if you believe your car is parked at a safe distance, wind and other factors can still cause hazardous debris. Mr Evans encourages drivers to take extra precautions such as covering their car windows and mirrors, ensuring fireworks remain dry, and never leaving fireworks unattended to maintain safety for all.
By taking these sensible steps, motorists can avoid costly fines and ensure they remain fully compliant with road safety laws as celebrations continue.