Don't drink and drone: Drunk droning now illegal in New Jersey

File picture: Pexels

File picture: Pexels

Published Jan 17, 2018

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New Jersey - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a law on Monday making it illegal to fly an unmanned drone aircraft after too many drinks, a spokesperson said on the Republican's last day in office.

The law prohibits flying a drone with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher, the same as for driving a vehicle, or while drugged. Violators face up to six months in jail, a $1 000 (about R12 300) fine or both.

The measure, which passed the Democratic-controlled state legislature earlier this month, also bars flying a drone near a prison or in pursuit of wildlife.

The drone measure was among 109 bills that Christie signed into law on his last full day in office, spokesperson Brian Murray said by email. Christie's successor, Democrat Phil Murphy, was sworn in on Tuesday.

At least 38 states are considering restrictions on drone flying this legislative year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The Consumer Technology Association has forecast that 3.1 million drones were sold in the United States last year, up 28 percent from the year before.

Reuters

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