Global Legal Post reports:
Japan made amendments to its Civil Aeronautics Act this month in order to allow the use of drones in areas where they are deemed safe.
The rules prohibit drone flying over crowded residential areas or near airports without permission from the transport minister. Japan has seen substantially increased interest in drones in the last few months.
Read more on The Global Legal Post.
Japan’s Lower House had passed a bill in July that is still pending. But last month, Parliament enacted a law that bans drones from flying over crowded residential areas or around airports without government permission. Kyodo News reported:
The move is part of a set of safety measures devised by the government after a small drone with a minuscule amount of radiation was found in April on the roof of the prime minister’s office building.
The Revised Civil Aeronautics Law, due to take effect by the year-end, defines drones as unmanned aircraft that can fly by remote control or automatic pilot but exempts lightweight toy drones. Violators face fines of up to 500,000 yen (some $4,200).
The legislation also sets basic rules for drone operators, who are required to restrict flights to daytime, visually check their surroundings, keep drones at a certain distance from people and buildings, not fly them at festivals, exhibitions or other places that attract crowds, and not carry explosives on them.
Read more on Nikkei Asian Review.
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