Are Fireworks Banned in Poland? Myth vs Reality

For some time now, you may have heard in the media that fireworks are banned in Poland and that we can legally enjoy them only on two days of the year.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

So where did the myth of a fireworks ban come from?

When cancelling public fireworks displays, city authorities often worded their statements in such a way that it gave the impression there were legal bans on pyrotechnics.
What surprises us even more is that the police sometimes go so far as to claim that using fireworks outside December 31st and January 1st is prohibited.

If we actually look at Polish law, we’ll find that this restriction — except for December 31 and January 1 — applies only to public places, and even then mostly relates to the hours during which they can be used (typically between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM).

So what does this mean for the average fireworks enthusiast?

Yes, for safety reasons, you can’t just go out onto a public square, street, or other city-owned land and set off fireworks without the appropriate permissions.
In that sense, a ban does exist, but only in public areas and only for unauthorized users.

However, anyone is allowed to set off fireworks on their own private property (e.g., backyard) all year round, as long as it doesn’t violate the legally defined “quiet hours.”
In practice, fireworks are used nearly every day in Poland to celebrate weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and private parties.

Even more importantly — licensed pyrotechnic teams are legally allowed to conduct shows on both private and public land, provided they follow all required procedures.

Can I organize my own mini fireworks show during an event?

Yes, you can! If you're at a venue and want to organize a small fireworks display yourself, it’s possible — under two simple conditions:

1. You must obtain written permission from the owner of the land you want to use for launching the fireworks.

2. You must ensure the display complies with local safety and noise regulations.

This is a common practice, especially for amateur shows at weddings.
If you're interested in a professional wedding fireworks show, you can read how to plan one [here].

My neighbors called the police and I got a fine – why?

While it’s legal to use fireworks on private property, you still need to respect nighttime quiet hours. Launching fireworks late at night may lead to penalties under public disturbance laws.

Here’s what Article 51 §1 of the Polish Misdemeanors Code says:

“Whoever, by shouting, noise, alarm, or other disorderly conduct, disturbs peace, public order, or nighttime rest, or causes scandal in a public place, is subject to arrest, restriction of liberty, or a fine.”

So… can I be fined for using fireworks on private land between 6 AM and 10 PM?

We’d like to quote the Positive Emotions Foundation, which promotes pyrotechnic education:

“Not every use of pyrotechnics constitutes a disturbance of peace or public order — only such cases that qualify as disorderly conduct.
In practice, such behavior must occur in a specific context — in a place, setting, or time where it’s unexpected, and must also generate a strong negative social reaction (e.g., disgust, anger, outrage).
Therefore, you cannot call a fireworks display ‘disorderly’ if it takes place outside of quiet hours, is not an act of hooliganism, and instead evokes positive emotions in the public eye.
Professional shows celebrating birthdays, weddings, or city events — conducted in line with social norms — are absolutely appropriate.”

People keep repeating the myth simply because they don’t know the law.

Sources:

• Foundation for the Development and Education of Pyrotechnics → https://fundacjapirotechnika.org/

• Positive Emotions Foundation → https://fundacjapozytywneemocje.pl/

Thanks to the work of these organizations, we now have both research into the environmental impact of fireworks and widespread public campaigns promoting safe, legal, and responsible use of pyrotechnics.

If you ever come across misinformation online, on TV, or in print — help us correct it! Report misleading claims whenever you can.