(Washington, D.C.) – As the 2017 Presidential Inauguration approaches, the United States Secret Service, the National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are reminding the residents of and visitors to Washington, D.C., that the city and surrounding areas are No Drone Zones.
Federal law prohibits flying all unmanned aircraft, more commonly called drones, in the heavily regulated Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) around Washington, D.C., including from private property inside the FRZ. Individuals who operate drones in violation of any federal aviation regulation could face fines of up to $1,414 per violation. Companies could face fines of up to $32,140 per violation. Drone operators also could face additional penalties for failing to register a drone with the FAA.
Launching, landing or operating unmanned aircrafts also is prohibited in all areas administered by the NPS. The fine for violating 36 CFR 1.5 (f) in DC is $85, in MD $55, and in VA is $100. An additional processing fee applies to all citations. Violators will have all equipment confiscated as evidence – this may include personal electronic devices such as cell phones, laptop computers, etc.
The airspace around Washington, D.C., is among the most restricted in the country. Rules put in place after the 9/11 attacks establish "national defense airspace" over the area and limit aircraft operations to those with an FAA and Transportation Security Administration authorization.
About the United States Secret Service
The United States Secret Service was originally founded in 1865 for the purpose of suppressing the counterfeiting of U.S. currency. Now an agency within the Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service is widely known for its protective mission in safeguarding the nation’s highest elected officials, visiting foreign dignitaries and events of national significance. Today, the Secret Service maintains a unique integrated mission of protection and investigations, as one of the premier law enforcement organizations charged with investigating cyber and financial crimes.