If you’re thinking about taking up a new hobby like recreational drone flying, you might want to think twice before investing in the hobby. If you’re already heavily invested, new federal rules, which take effect immediately, will make it very difficult to find a place where drones can be used.
Transportation Minister Marc Garneau revealed the new rules Thursday. Recreational users now face fines of up to $3,000 if drones weighing more than 250 grams are caught flying:
- Higher than 90 metres
- At night or in clouds
- Within 75 metres of buildings, vehicles or people
- Within 9 kilometres of the centre of any airport, heliport, aerodrome or water aerodrome where aircraft take off and land.
- Without your name, address and phone number marked on the drone
- Within 9 kilometres of a forest fire or where it could interfere with police or first responders
- Within controlled or restricted airspace
The rules announced Thursday do not apply to operators of drones for commercial, academic or research purposes.
The federal government is encouraging the public to call 911 or local law enforcement agencies immediately if you witness illegal drone use.
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