Fireworks are a fundamental tradition during New Year's celebrations, but the laws surrounding them vary depending on where you live.

Here’s what you need to know before setting off your fireworks on December 31.

Toronto

The City of Toronto allows fireworks on private property until 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day only.

This means that on New Year's Eve, residents are not allowed to ignite fireworks without a permit from the Fire Department.

Fireworks are also not permitted in public parks or beaches unless the city allows it, and residents are prohibited from setting them off on streets or parking lots.

Anyone caught doing so can be fined between $600 and $1,000.

More information can be found on the City of Toronto’s website.

Mississauga

Meanwhile, Mississauga allows residents to use fireworks on their private property on New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m. on January 1, and there are five holidays in total when private fireworks are permitted.

Fireworks are not permitted on public streets, parks, or roads without a permit—regardless of the holiday.

Mississauga recently increased fines for illegal use of fireworks. As of December 1, individuals convicted of improperly igniting fireworks on public property or property not owned by them may face a maximum fine of $100,000.

Previously, fines for illegal fireworks ignition were $5,000.

Just days after the announcement, the city received nearly 100 complaints about fireworks being set off, with more than ten videos reviewed by CTV News Toronto at the time showing crowds of people setting off fireworks for Diwali in the parking lot of Westwood Square Mall, both in the air and on the ground.

City officials say they hope the increased fines will deter residents from using fireworks in unauthorized locations.

Brampton

Private fireworks—as well as the sale, distribution, or possession of fireworks—are prohibited in Brampton.

The city's website states that residents are invited to attend city-led fireworks events on Canada Day, Diwali, and New Year's Eve.

The fine for setting off fireworks is $500, while the price for selling them can reach $1,000.

It is important to note that if fireworks are set off from private property, the owner of that property may face charges regardless of whether they were involved in igniting the fireworks or not.

In 2022, just under 1,500 complaints related to fireworks were filed in Brampton. Complaints pointed to excessive noise and safety concerns regarding fire and litter.

Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill

As in Toronto, fireworks are only allowed on private property on Victoria Day and Canada Day. A permit is required to use fireworks on any other day or holiday.

Residents are not allowed to set them off on public property, including parks or beaches.

The fines for violating the rules vary.