Those Christmas lights, may need a licence..

Outdoor festive lights are very common across the UK, but it is important to ensure festive displays stay on the right side of the law.

While there aren't any specific laws that are directed at festive decorations, there are still some laws that you should be aware of to make sure you have a happy and legal December.

Light nuisance

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities are obliged to investigate complaints about light nuisance. They will consider whether artificial light from a property:

• unreasonably and substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises;
• injures health or is likely to injure health.

They will also consider:

• the safety of the lights;
• disruptions to neighbouring households; and
• excessive noise.

If a complaint is upheld, the defendant could be forced to remove the lights and receive a hefty fine.

Lights and public property

If you want to hang up ornaments and decorations in your town or village, you will need a Christmas Lights Licence. Also known as a decorative lighting consent, this is a licence that authorises ornaments and lights to be hung over from a road, as well as from lamp posts and trees around the local community.

Legally you must gain a licence which will permit you to attach items to a street light or lamp post. The local authority will approve a licence when it is satisfied:

• your festive lights do not pose a risk to the safety of the public, or other highway equipment such as traffic signals;
• the structures are strong enough to safely support your lights.

The Highways Act 1980 enables the highway authority to control the erection of apparatus on or over the highway, including attachments by way of a licence or legal agreement.

Tips to legally spread festive cheer

There are many ways to ensure your Christmas spirit wont involve a dispute with a neighbour or the council. This includes:

• talking to your neighbours before you install a bright outdoor display, and considering any concerns they might have about light nuisance;
• using a timer that will switch bright lights off at a reasonable hour;
• choosing adjustable lighting options to control intensity, so they could maybe be dimmed at certain times at night;
• always checking with your local council for any specific regulations or permits required for the decorations and lighting you have planned involving public property.