Don't ruin it for yourself or others: keep New Year's Eve safe and enjoyable

Fireworks rules

Because fireworks are dangerous and explosive substances, rules have been established for their storage, sale, and use. These rules may not be known to everyone. For example, did you know that:

• From 2026, setting off fireworks will no longer be permitted.
• Fireworks may only be set off between 6 p.m. on December 31 and 2 a.m. on January 1?
• Fireworks may only be sold by authorized fireworks retailers on December 29, 30, and 31?
• Requirements there different Requirements with the sale of different types of fireworks, such as the age of the buyer and the quantity of fireworks?
• Can so-called children's fireworks (category F1, such as sparklers, fountains, and firecrackers) be set off and sold to people aged 12 and over all year round?
• Can these children's fireworks also cause loud bangs?
• Most loud bangs are caused by illegal and heavy fireworks?
• Is it illegal to possess or set off illegal fireworks?
• Is it illegal to buy fireworks and have them delivered to your home?
• Are there any fireworks-free zones designated in our municipality?
• Is the use of carbide permitted only with a municipal exemption on December 31 between 10:00 a.m. and January 1 at 2:00 a.m.?

More information about fireworks regulations can be found on the Rijksoverheid website:rijksoverheid

Reporting fireworks (and nuisance caused by them)

If you hear or see fireworks being set off now and this is causing you nuisance, please report it! There are several ways to report this.

• If there is a nuisance that is currently occurring and you can see the nuisance and those causing it:
  * during office hours via the Buiten Beter app or by telephone to the municipality: 040 – 289 38 39.
  * outside office hours, if there is immediate danger (to life) or a suspicious situation (e.g., vandalism) where you can see the perpetrator(s): call the police via 112.
• If there is a nuisance but it is not clear where the fireworks were set off or it has been longer, it can be reported to the municipality (via the municipal website or the Outside Better app).

We sometimes receive complaints that we do not respond to reports, or that we respond too late. We take every report seriously, but unfortunately it is not always possible to be on the scene immediately, to determine exactly where the fireworks are coming from, and to catch the perpetrators in the act. By reporting nuisance caused by fireworks, we get a better picture of where and when fireworks are being set off and can carry out more targeted checks.

Together, we will ensure a safe New Year's Eve!