Fireworks in Australian Capital Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: In the ACT certain fireworks are prohibited outright, and other fireworks may be brought in, used, handled or stored only by a person authorised under an explosives licence or permit.

RuleWhat applies
Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2)No [1]
Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified
Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified
When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified
When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)Fireworks that are controlled dangerous substances can only be brought into the ACT or used, handled or stored within the ACT by a person authorised under an explosives licence or permit. Certain types of fireworks are prohibited dangerous substances that no person may bring in, use, handle or store. [1]
Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified
Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2)Fireworks may be used in the ACT only in a fireworks display, and only if the products are authorised as explosive articles under the Dangerous Substances (Explosives) Regulation 2004. Products authorised in class 1.1G or 1.3G are usually restricted to licensed display operators (pyrotechnicians). [2]
Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified
Hours when they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Source is an Internet Archive snapshot of 19 November 2025 of the WorkSafe ACT page; it was not re-read live and does not list exceptions such as sparklers.
  • Source is an Internet Archive snapshot of 9 December 2025 of the WorkSafe ACT fireworks permits page; the live page was not readable by script.

Sources

  1. WorkSafe ACT: Fireworks and other explosives - WorkSafe ACT (Internet Archive snapshot of 19 November 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. WorkSafe ACT: Fireworks permits - WorkSafe ACT (Internet Archive snapshot of 9 December 2025) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Australian Capital Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, mainly footpaths and shared paths
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 18+ within the limit · Growing at home: Yes, 2 plants per adult, 4 per home
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 years 9 months, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Same rights as bicycles
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent visa: ACT licence after 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsLicence: Motorcycle licence (class R)
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Mounted or untouched; L/P: no voice use
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, compulsory · Minimum alarms and where: On or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms, installed as per the manufacturer's instructions and the National Construction Code. A multi-level home needs smoke alarms on each level, interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravansTrailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combination: Up to 9,000 kg GVM
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.