Marje Pelayo • June 14, 2019 • 1674

Courtesy : Reuters

JAPAN – Flying a drone while drunk could lead to a year in prison following the passage of a new law.

The law aims to control the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles in Japan.

Aside from imprisonment, those found to be intoxicated while flying a drone could also face a fine of up to 300,000 yen or about P140,000.

The law puts limits on certain areas where drones can be flown and it also covers drones weighing more than 200 grams.

The new law also levies fines on pilots who perform dangerous stunts with their drone such as quickly plunging the device towards crowds which would incur fines of up to 500,000 yen or P230,000.

Restrictions on where operators can fly their device also applies under the new legislation.

Specifically, drones are not allowed within 300 meters over Japan’s Armed Forces and other “defence-related facilities” without prior permission.

There is no license required to fly a drone in Japan. However, operators must abide by a series of regulations which included staying below 150 meters; avoiding airports and crowded areas; flying only during daylight and keeping the drone in sight at all times.

The fine for violating the above regulations is up to 500,000 yen or P230,000.

The new regulation follows an earlier ban on drone approaching nuclear power plants, parliament buildings and the prime minister’s office.

Venues of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and stadiums are also off-limits to drone pilots.