New Jersey Statewide Rule
New Jersey Unmanned Aircraft Drone Operator Statute
Key Facts
- Statute
- N.J.S.A. 2C:40-27
- Impaired flying
- Disorderly persons
- Prison facility flyovers
- Crime
- Federal rules
- FAA Part 107
Summary
New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 2C:40-27) sets uniform criminal restrictions on drone operations statewide, including bans on flying impaired, near critical infrastructure, or near correctional facilities.
d. A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he knowingly operates an unmanned aircraft system or uses an unmanned aircraft system to take or assist in the taking of wildlife. e. A person commits a disorderly persons offense if he operates an unmanned aircraft system while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, a narcotic, hallucinogenic, or habit-producing drug or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more by weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood.
Full Breakdown
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:40-27, it is a disorderly persons offense to operate an unmanned aircraft system while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or to use a drone to interfere with a first responder, harass another person, or endanger life or property. Operating a drone over a correctional facility, or to deliver contraband, is a crime of the third or fourth degree. Federal FAA rules under 14 C.F.R. Part 107 also apply uniformly nationwide. Municipalities cannot regulate drone airspace, though they may control take-off and landing on local property.
Violations & Penalties
Disorderly persons offenses carry up to 6 months jail and $1,000 fines; aggravated drone crimes carry multi-year prison terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can NJ towns ban drone flights overhead?
Is it illegal to fly a drone after drinking in NJ?
Sources
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