🎆 Can I set off fireworks?

With conditions

Quick answer

Only away from the banned places and within your municipal ordinance. The Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives and Pyrotechnic Articles Act bans the use of pyrotechnics in vehicles, near flammable materials, and on the grounds of hospitals, schools, social services, places of worship and monasteries. Indoors, only category 1 articles — the lightest — are allowed. Separately, each municipality can add its own limits, including on timing: Pomorie, for instance, bans fireworks after 23:00. In Sofia the fine for an individual is BGN 500–2,000 (≈€256–1,023), and for a business up to BGN 10,000. If the use causes a fire or an injury, criminal liability follows on top.

📋 The rules

Banned in vehicles and near flammable materials
Banned at hospitals, schools, places of worship and social services
Indoors: only category 1 articles
Municipalities add their own bans (e.g. after 23:00)
Sofia: fine for individuals BGN 500–2,000 (≈€256–1,023)

🔓 Exceptions

Qualified persons — for cultural, sporting and religious events, after notifying the police
Official municipal displays and celebrations
Category 1 (the lightest articles) — permitted indoors

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Unlawful use of pyrotechnics is sanctioned under both the Weapons and Pyrotechnics Act and the municipal public-order ordinance. In Sofia the fine for individuals is BGN 500–2,000 (≈€256–1,023) and for legal entities BGN 3,000–10,000 (≈€1,534–5,113). Use that causes injury or fire brings criminal liability on top of the administrative fine — and every New Year produces such cases. The pyrotechnics can be seized. Selling articles to minors, or articles for which there is no authorisation, is heavily sanctioned for the trader. You also carry civil liability for any damage you cause.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

Can I set off fireworks in the street?

Only if the municipal ordinance allows it and you are not near a hospital, school, place of worship, flammable materials or a vehicle. Many municipalities also impose time limits, particularly around New Year. Check the ordinance — the bans are wider than most people assume.

What is the fine in Sofia?

For individuals, BGN 500 to 2,000 (≈€256–1,023). For legal entities it is far higher: BGN 3,000 to 10,000. If the use causes a fire or an injury, criminal liability follows separately from the fine.

Is there a time ban?

It depends on the municipality. Pomorie, for example, bans fireworks after 23:00. More and more municipalities are introducing such limits, because of the noise and because of animals. Check your municipality's public-order ordinance.

Can I use fireworks indoors?

Only category 1 articles — the lightest. All other categories are banned indoors under the Weapons and Pyrotechnics Act. The ban applies to venues and homes alike, and the owner's consent does not override it.

Are there exceptions?

Yes — people with the necessary qualification for safety in explosive work may use pyrotechnics for cultural, sporting and religious events and film production, after notifying the relevant police unit. That is a regime for professionals, not for the public.

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