Regulators in the U.S. have proposed a new drone registration system that is aimed at discouraging the use of drones for mischief.
The new system was proposed at an event in Washington, with transportation secretary Anthony Foxx saying that a task force to work out the details had been set up. Two dozen representatives from drone-related industries are a part of the task force.
The group has been tasked with putting the report together by Nov. 20, with the rules to be implemented sometime in December. This is quite fast for aviation-related rules, with the team being motivated by the fact that there are a growing number of incidents using drones. Not only that, but drones are also likely to be a big seller this holiday season.
Drone-makers, however, are concerned at how detailed the thought through these new rules will be considering the speed at which they are being implemented. Questions also remain about which drones are harmless enough to be exempt from the rules, however, the department has said that the rules will not apply to toys and other very small drones that don't really pose any safety risks.
Another thing that remains unclear is whether or not drones will have to include some kind of physical identification, like cars with number plates. Drones could have to have a sticker with identification information, or they may have to electronically broadcast identification information.
Then, there are the details about what would happen if drone operators did not follow the rules. Those who fail to register their drone could face fines of up to $27,500, and criminal penalties of up to $250,000 or three years in jail could also be implemented.
Of course, drone registration is only one measure being put in place by the transportation department, and it has also introduced initiatives like the "Know Before You Fly" campaign, which is aimed at raising awareness about aviation laws.
Via: New York Times
