The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has issued a formal public alert regarding the stringent enforcement of newly proclaimed fireworks legislation. Under the Summary Offences (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025 and accompanying Fireworks Regulations 2025, discharging fireworks without an official permit from the Commissioner of Police constitutes a punishable offense, with limited exceptions.
The legislation specifies precise time windows during which fireworks may be legally used: exclusively on designated public holidays from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and during the New Year’s Eve transition period from 11:30 PM on December 31 to 12:30 AM on January 1. Beyond these stipulated times, any fireworks usage mandates prior police authorization.
Effective December 19, 2025, individuals violating these provisions face immediate fines of $450 via ticketing system. The regulations further establish protective buffer zones, prohibiting fireworks discharge within a half-mile radius of sensitive locations including all public and private hospitals, airports, zoological facilities, registered animal shelters, livestock farms, forest reserves, and national parks.
Police authorities emphasized that irresponsible fireworks usage jeopardizes public safety, risks property damage, causes community disturbances, and creates particular distress for children, elderly residents, vulnerable populations, and domestic animals. The TTPS has committed to conducting targeted patrol operations to identify violations, with warnings and enforcement actions to be implemented accordingly.
The enforcement announcement follows observed public activities during traditional Boxing Day sales events, where fireworks retailers like Macoya’s Fireone Fireworks experienced high customer turnout, underscoring the timely nature of this regulatory clarification.