Drivers could be caught out by a little-known November driving rule while behind the wheel on Wednesday. According to experts, road users could be slapped with a £300 fine for incorrectly travelling with fireworks.
Possibly unbeknownst to road users, there is a simple weight threshold rule for fireworks, with motorists required to obtain a special licence if they wish to carry over a certain limit. Although garden fireworks displays are unlikely to be affected, those organising larger presentations could be caught out. Experts explained that the limit for home storage without a licence is around 5kg of net explosive content (NEC). This roughly equates to 50–60 kg of fireworks in total.
Heading over the limit and breaking the rule could see road users hit with a hefty £300 fine and up to six penalty points on their driving licence.
A spokesperson for Show Plates World stressed road users should take a range of precautions before transporting any type of firework due to the potential safety hazards.
They said: “Most people would never dream of intentionally breaking the law, but when it comes to fireworks, the rules are surprisingly strict. If you buy in bulk or collect for friends and family, it’s easy to exceed the legal limit without realising and that could put your licence, and even your insurance, at risk.
“Make sure the boxes are kept upright, away from direct sunlight, and never stored in the passenger cabin,” the experts advised. “They should be secured in the boot, in their original packaging, and never placed near electrical items, lighters or matches.”
November 5 has become an important date in the Autumnal calendar. Bonfire Night marks the anniversary of Guy Fawkes and Robert Catesby’s attempt to detonate the Houses of Parliament 420 years ago in 1605 .
Firework displays are customary with several events taking place on November 5 itself. Claire Wills-McKissick, a spokesperson for Tempcover, also reiterated that carrying too many fireworks could put motorists’ car insurance policies at risk.
This could massively backfire as it means road users will not be covered for any damages in the event of an accident.
Claire said: “Don’t assume your policy covers you when transporting fireworks – always check your policy, or confirm with your insurer beforehand as coverage can also depend on the amount you’re carrying. Failing to know the rules means you could be driving uninsured without even realising it.”
