- Prohibited Areas: Fireworks are not allowed in public places, including parks, pavements, and streets. Additionally, they're prohibited within 500 meters of hospitals, clinics, petrol stations, old-age homes, nursing homes, and animal welfare organizations ¹ ².
- Time Restrictions: Fireworks can only be set off between 7 pm and 10 pm on designated days, such as Diwali, New Year's Eve, and Guy Fawkes Day ¹ ².
- Pet Protection: No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present, including domestic homes. This is to prevent animal distress and ensure their safety ¹.
- Supervision: Minors under 16 years old are not allowed to purchase or set off fireworks, and children under 16 must be properly supervised by an adult when handling fireworks ² ³.
- Licensed Dealers: Only licensed dealers are allowed to sell fireworks, and they must display the relevant permits from the South African Police Service (SAPS) ² ³.
- Fines and Penalties: Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines ranging from R200 to R10,000 or even imprisonment ¹ ² ³.
It's essential to be considerate of pets and neighbors when using fireworks. If you're concerned about the noise and disturbance caused by fireworks, you can report incidents to the local authorities or SAPS.