A federal judge in Massachusetts issued the first ruling in the U.S. addressing the right of states and municipalities to regulate drone use. The landmark decision ruled that the city of Newton, MA, did not have the authority to impose a ban on unmanned aircraft flights below 400 feet, prohibit flights over private and public property without the landowner’s permission, or require local registration of drones.
Federal Judge Rules on State and Local Government Right to Regulate Drones
Key Takeaways:
- A federal judge ruled that the city of Newton, MA, did not have the authority to impose local drone regulations, including flight bans below 400 feet, restrictions over private property, or local registration requirements.
- This landmark decision is the first U.S. ruling to address the right of states and municipalities to regulate drone use, establishing federal preemption over local drone laws.
- The ruling emphasizes the need for a uniform federal regulatory framework to ensure safety and efficiency for the burgeoning drone industry, rather than fragmented local ordinances.
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