The FAA announced the registration requirement earlier this month and launched the site on Monday, hoping to get up and running before the holiday rush. If you buy or receive a
drone this holiday season, make sure you're flying it legally.
What happens if you don't register?
Criminal penalties for flying a
drone without registering are up to three years in jail, or up to $250,000 in fines. The agency is unlikely to dedicate many resources into enforcing the registration rule at first. Local law enforcement will handle the bulk of enforcement for now.
Any other rules you should know?
Once you're registered, you can take your new
drone out for a spin. As long as you follow all the rules. Most importantly, don't fly the drone above 400 feet (the height of a 30 to 40 story building), never let it out of your eyesight, and don't fly it near airports or populated areas like stadiums.
How do you register?
Registration is $5 for three years and can be done online at
RegisterMyUAS.faa.gov.
Drone owners give the FAA their full name, physical and mailing addresses, and an email address. The FAA is waiving the fee for one month. People who bought a
drone before December 21 have until February 19 to register.
