US aviation regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has introduced new rules requiring US drone operators to register their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Drone operators who do not register may face civil and criminal penalties.
The new rules came into effect on 21 December and apply to UAVs weighing more than 250g and less than 25kg. (Aircraft weighing more than 25kg must be registered under the Aircraft Registry process.)
Registration is valid for three years and requires applicants to provide their name, home address and email. Once registered, users receive a registration number which must be marked on all applicable unmanned aircraft.
"Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiasts are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility,” said US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely. I’m excited to welcome these new aviators into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American innovation."
US drone operators have until 19 February 2016 to register.