Relates to the registration of drones

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to registration of drones

Purpose

This bill requires the registration of drones.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Adds a new article to the vehicle and traffic law (Article 48-D). This new article defines a drone as "an unmanned aircraft which is operated remotely without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft." (§ 2420(6)).

It requires that drones must first be registered with the commissioner prior to use. Registration shall include a brief description of the drone including make and serial number, as well as, the name and residential and/or business address of the owner, including a registration fee of five dollars.

Upon receipt of the registration of the drone, the commissioner shall record the registration and issue a certificate of such registration to the owner. Registrations shall expire and be renewed upon schedules as set by the commissioner. Registration fees shall not be required of drones owned by the state, its municipalities, or departments.

Failure to register a drone as required pursuant to this article shall be punishable by a fine between twenty-five and one hundred dollars, unless it is a failure to renew a valid registration, in which case the fine shall be no less than ten dollars.

Section 2: Establishes the effective date.

Justification

Drone use is becoming more prevalent in society. Drones can vary in size, speed, and capabilities including the ability to hover and carry recording equipment of varying sophistication. Like any mechanical device, drones are susceptible to mechanical malfunction, as well as operator error, either of which can lead to damage to property or persons. In such unfortunate - but inevitable - circumstances, the ability to trace the offending vehicle to its owner or operator, is critical.

Currently, no state legislation exists to track ownership of such self-propelled remotely-controlled airborne vehicles, such that responsibility for damage to the property of others or to innocent persons, due to mechanical failure or operator error, is unknown. This legislation seeks to remedy that lacuna by requiring that drones be registered, so that like other motorized vehicles, they can be identified and traced back to their owners.

Legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.