Lawmakers in New Jersey have proposed a
bill that would make it illegal to operate a done while under the influence of
alcohol in a bid to reduce irresponsible use of the remote-controlled devices. If passed,
the bill would prohibit the use of drones under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, or using a drone to harm wildlife or endanger people or property. Just think, it can be just as expensive to sit
on your patio having a few beers and be arrested for flying your drone. WOW, or toys are finding more and more ways
to get us thrown in jail.
The bill would also make it a
fourth-degree crime for drone operators to interfere with emergency services,
or endanger the security of a correctional facility. The bill, which passed out
of a New Jersey assembly committee on Monday, will go before the full senate on
Thursday. Such crimes would be
punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
“This
bill sets specific guidelines for how New Jersey’s residents will be allowed
use these devices and to establish some order, to prevent many of these
dangerous situations.” Consumer drone sales in the US has increased exponentially
over the past few years, and not expected to slow down in the near future. The Consumer Technology Association projects
drone sales will pass the $1 billion mark by the end of 2017. Most of drones sold weigh less than 0.55
pounds, the limit before registration is required with the Federal Aviation
Administration.
