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The rules for using fireworks in Spain

Fireworks are a well-know part of any celebration in Spain, but breaking the rules can result in substantial fines

Many Spanish celebrations, fiestas and other events make use of fireworks, whether it’s the arrival of midnight on December 31 being heralded by an explosion of fireworks up and down the country when Spain welcomes the New Year or the incredible March Fallas in Valencia. Just about every fiesta here is celebrated with firecrackers and bangers of some description!

Animal rights groups have long been protesting the use of fireworks due to the panic they can instill in pets, and although these festive displays are perfectly legal, the use of crackers is strictly regulated. While there is a loose national law that governs fireworks in Spain, the nitty gritty can vary from town to town, so it’s best to check with your town hall to avoid some pretty harsh fines.

Categories of fireworks permitted

Category 1: Very low risk fireworks that result in an insignificant noise level. These can generally be used in all delimited areas, including in residential buildings.
Category 2: Low risk fireworks that produce little noise, these should only be used outdoors in delimited areas.
Category 3: Medium risk fireworks that produce a noise level that is not harmful to human health. These must only be set off in large, open outdoor areas.
Category 4: Considered highly dangerous but still with an unharmful noise level, these fireworks are for the professionals only and their use is strictly limited to experts.

Age restrictions

Category 1 fireworks can be sold to children aged 12 and older
Category 2 fireworks can be sold to people over the age of 16
Category 3 fireworks can be purchased by anyone over the age of 18

Some autonomous communities have reduced the minimum age for buying the very low and low risk varieties at certain times of the year and provided that those purchasing the fireworks have written consent from a parent and will be under adult supervision at all times.

Rules for buying and using fireworks

Only authorised shops bearing the European Commissions ‘CE’ marking are legally allowed to market and sell fireworks, and they are not allowed to sell single units.
It is prohibited in Spain to purchase any type of firework online, over the phone or by mail order.
Retailers can refuse to sell to any customers they think may be intoxicated or otherwise under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Fireworks must never be tampered with or altered in any way; to do so carries stiff penalties.
While category 4 fireworks are routinely detonated by trained experts during Spanish festivals, in general it’s against the law to set them off in public places, except when the town hall has authorised it as part of an official event.
During public firework displays, a ‘safety zone’ must be established according to Spanish law which is not close to “hospitals, clinics, residential homes, homes, police stations, emergency centres, or any other buildings, structures or communication routes which, due to their particular sensitivity to risk, are susceptible to accidents affecting the safety of the population. Likewise, if the show takes place during school hours, there must be no educational centres (in the vicinity).”

Fines for misusing fireworks

Again, the penalities vary according to the municipality and the severity of the crime, but the fines for breaking the rules can range anywhere from 600 euros to 30,000.

For the average user, ‘minor infringements’ could set you back by as much as 3,000 euros while the top fines are generally handed out to those who illegally manufacture fireworks that could pose a significant danger.

Image: Pixabay

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