Heavier penalties proposed for unauthorised use of drones

SINGAPORE — Errant drone users may soon face tougher punishment, with amendments to the Air Navigation Act to increase the maximum penalties being introduced in Parliament on Monday (Oct 7). 

The Act controls and regulates aviation here.

The Transport Ministry in a statement said that the proposed penalties will be commensurate with the potential danger and widespread disruption that could be caused by the errant use of drones.

Among the changes proposed include higher fines and the possibility of jail time for errant users.

The changes come amid increasing concerns in Singapore, and globally, about the threat posed by drones.

In June this year, drone intrusions at Changi Airport over two nights resulted in 55 flight delays and eight diversions. 

Last December, operations at London’s Gatwick Airport were disrupted for three days following drone intrusions. 

Separately, Senior Minister of State (Transport) Lam Pin Min wrote on his Facebook page that the Government had accepted the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advisory Panel’s recommendations, which include a mandatory registration regime for drones. 

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

Operating drones without aviation safety instruments

Those operating any aircraft, including drones, without the necessary aviation safety instruments such as an activity permit currently face a fine not exceeding S$50,000 if caught for the first time. 

Proposed changes will see such offences carrying a fine of up to S$50,000 or jail time of up to two years, or both. 

Flying drones into unauthorised areas or taking photos of protected areas

Those who use drones to take unauthorised photos of a protected area or fly unauthorised over protected areas are currently subject to fines of up to S$20,000 or a jail term of up to one year, or both. 

With the change, first-time offenders could soon face a fine of up to S$50,000 or a jail term of up to two years, or both.

Repeat offenders may be subject to fines not exceeding S$100,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

Acting in a manner that could put the life or property of another person in danger

A person who engages in any act, such as operating, maintaining or servicing any aircraft or drones, in a manner that he or she knows could put the life or property of another person in danger currently faces a fine of up to S$100,000 or jail of up to five years, or both under the Act.

With the proposed changes, such persons may face the same fine quantum or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. 

Not complying with directions by the authorities

Currently, those who ignore the directions of authorities to stop flying their drones, or to land it safely among other things face a fine of up to S$20,000 or jail of up to a year, or both.

With the proposed changes, such people could now face a fine of up to S$20,000 and jail time of up to two years.