The drone industry is fast becoming a billion dollar sector as millions of drones are sold each year. As the industry grows, the legislature in certain states such as New Jersey is being reformed to follow the direction of this growth.  New Jersey lawmakers are considering taking some new steps to criminalize the incorrect use of drones. For example, operating a drone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be classed under a disorderly offense.

The law is to be passed under a bipartisan bill that was issued by an assembly committee. Using a drone that causes the destruction of property or endangers the life of wildlife will also be an offense under this bill.  It is expected that the bill will be signed into law before the end of Governor Chris Christie’s second and final term. This will be the first state law regulating drones issued by the State of New Jersey.

In recent times, there has been a lot of complaints about UAVs and how they can be disruptive. From smuggling drugs to interfering with firefighting operations. There has even been reported near misses with aircraft said Annette Quijano, a sitting Democratic Assemblywoman.  The bill will be used to set standards and will function as a guide on how New Jersey residents will use drones in the near future. It is expected that it will help prevent accidents and potential harm to both people and property.

There are parts of the bill that will make it a fourth-degree crime if a drone operator interferes with emergency responders or a correctional facility. Breaking these laws could earn you up to 18 months in prison or a fine of about $10,000.  Using a drone to survey a correctional facility will be a third-degree crime and using it to circumvent a restraining order will also be a violation. As the sale of drones increase in the United States, it is expected that more states will follow suit.

Previously, both houses of legislation passed a bill that required law enforcement officials in the state to get a warrant before they could launch a drone during an investigation. Governor Christie declined to sign the legislation on two occasions.  The recent law will regulate civilian use of drones and not law enforcement and legislators are hopeful that it will all go smoothly. It was successfully approved by legislative committees, but not yet voted on by the full senate and assembly. Once this is done, it will be sent to Governor Christie’s desk to get signed.

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