New Drone Registration Rules Just in Time for Holidays, Wiley Rein Says

Drones weighing between 0.55 and 55 pounds must be registered with the FAA, due to new rules included in the National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Donald Trump Dec. 12, Wiley Rein blogged Monday. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in May vacated a previous rule requiring drone registration (see 1705190052). The defense bill reinstated the rule, instituted to increase security and safety with small drone operations, the communications law firm said. Failure to comply with the new law could result in civil penalties up to $27,500 and criminal penalties including fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment up to three years.