Motorists Issued Urgent Warning Ahead of Bonfire Night

Drivers planning to celebrate Bonfire Night have been warned against carrying fireworks in their cars or face a £300 fine. Motoring experts have cautioned drivers about carrying too many fireworks in their vehicles as it could invalidate insurance and lead to a hefty fine.

Under the Explosive Regulations 2014 Act, it is against the law to buy and transport more than 50kg of fireworks without a valid storage license.

Drivers transporting too many explosives could be slapped with a £300 fine and six penalty points.

In the event of an accident, those travelling with more than the legal limit of explosive content can also be refused a payout from insurers.

Some insurers will have exclusions, so drivers should check their provider’s terms and conditions to ensure they will be covered, even if travelling with fireworks that fall within the 50kg limit.

It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy, carry or use fireworks, so under no circumstances should younger motorists transport fireworks for family or friends.

The police can serve anyone under age found to have fireworks with a fixed penalty notice of £80.

To minimise risks while carrying fireworks, drivers should ensure they are in a secure and spark-proof container, secured in the vehicle’s boot.

Drivers should also check the fireworks are not being stored with combustible materials, which could cause them to catch fire more easily.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “It is important to remember that fireworks are dangerous explosives and can cause significant damage if mishandled.

“If a firework were to go off in a vehicle, such as in the event of a crash, there is a massive fire and explosion risk.

“Drivers carrying any weight of fireworks are putting themselves, and other road users, at risk, but having more than 50kg could be catastrophic.

“For this reason, it is vital that motorists travelling with fireworks take the necessary safety precautions, including transporting them in a secure, non-flammable container in the boot.

“Aside from the danger of carrying over the legal weight allowance, those breaking the rules could be fined £300, slapped with six penalty points and invalidated their insurance.

“Any motorist under 18 found to be driving with fireworks can also be fined for being in illegal possession of them.”