TRENTON, New Jersey – Last Monday, the bill for banning drunk droning was signed by Governor Chris Christie in his final day in the office. This law legally prohibits the use of drones while under the influence of hallucinogens, narcotics, or alcohol. This law also follows similar thresholds of laws about drunk driving in New Jersey.
The specifics of the law state that it is banned to operate drones when the blood alcohol content of the controller is 0.08 percent or higher or while he is drugged. This regulation also prohibits people to utilize flying drones to interfere with responders, surveil wildlife, or fly near a prison. The punishment waiting for the violators of this law may take up to six months in jail and payment of $1,000 fine.
Drunk droning became particularly alarming as the consumer demand for drones grows. The machine’s heavy body and spinning sharp propellers can be seen as a threat and increase the chances of accidents to the drone’s pilot and the public. The law about drunk droning sets guidelines on how the residents of New Jersey can operate the device in a safe way.
This brand new kind of “DUI,” droning under the influence, was first prohibited in the state of New Jersey. According to Spokesman Brian Murray, this is one of the 109 bills Governor Christie signed into law. It can be recalled last Tuesday that democrat Phil Murphy sword in for the position last Tuesday.
Drones, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle, are first introduced for military applications. This machine can be controlled either by a human operator or by onboard computers. In today’s digital age, this flying vehicle is rapidly and widely operated for both commercial and personal uses such as surveillance, product deliveries, drone racing, aerial photography, policing, and more.
Since various developments in this area are rampant, even kids nowadays can own and operate a drone. According to the Consumer Technology Association, there are 3.1 million drones sold in the United States of America in 2017. This is a huge leap and is reported to be 28 percent more than 2016. Drones are also a big hit for holiday gifts or even just for random travels.
The functions of drones in mankind’s daily life could be endless, and they can be used for good and bad. There are many reports all over the world of people taking advantage of this machine, such as invading privacy, smuggling, disturbing wildlife, and more. Some of drone accidents are just caused by drunk droning. United Arab Emirates (UAE) declared a movement and an annual international competition called “UAE Drones for Good” to encourage people in utilizing drones for good applications.
As the negative use of drones continues to unbridle, the National Conference of State Legislatures reports that at least 38 states are considering and contemplating on creating restrictions on drunk droning this 2018. Democratic Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, one of the sponsors for this law, described drones last year as a machine that is “increasingly disruptive” as it interferes with important firefighter operations. It was also noted that drones are used nowadays to smuggle drugs into prisons.
