Drinking and droning? It could soon cost you up to a year in jail in Japan, where an amendment to the country’s civil aeronautics law being debated in the Diet would make it illegal to operate unmanned aerial vehicles while under the influence of alcohol.
Japan turns to drones to replace its ageing farmers“We have no records of someone causing an accident with a drone while drinking, but we do know that in the US about three years ago, a drunk person landed a drone in the grounds of the White House,” the official said. Under the existing laws, an operator requires the ministry’s permission to operate a drone that weighs more than 200g in a densely populated area, near an airport, at night or out of visual range.Transport ministry official
As in other countries, Japanese authorities have become increasingly wary of the potential threat posed by drones. Chris Dunn, an Australian businessman who flies three drones for fun, had no objections to the new regulations, although his hobby seems to be more heavily regulated in Japan than elsewhere.
Dunn said existing regulations severely restrict places where drone enthusiasts can practise their hobby.