The Mill Valley Police Department has recently received questions regarding the operation of drones. The below list is meant to address concerns surrounding the rules and regulations for operating drones within the City of Mill Valley.
Drone Safety Tips:
- Register your drone: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements mandate drone operators register their drone and display an FAA issued registration number on the exterior of the drone if the drone is 0.55 pounds or above.
- Follow FAA operating requirements: Recreational drone operators must take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). The test can be completed online for free and takes less than an hour.
- Operate your drone at a safe altitude: Drones must be flown at 400 feet or lower when in uncontrolled airspace (airspace where the FAA is not controlling manned air traffic)
- Do NOT fly in controlled airspace: Operating drones around and above airports is prohibited.
- Keep your drone within your line of sight while operating: You must keep your drone in your line of sight while operating it or within the line of sight of a visual observer who is in direct communication with you.
- Never fly near other aircraft: Flying drones near other aircraft is prohibited.
- Do not fly over groups of people: Do not operate drones above public events or above crowded venues.
- Never fly near emergencies: Flying above emergencies may hinder first responders’ efforts and is a crime.
- Never operate a drone while under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Operating drones while intoxicated is unsafe and endangers yourself and others.
- Respect other’s privacy: Never operate a drone in someone’s airspace without their permission. This is an invasion of privacy and subjects the operator to civil liability as indicated in California Civil Code section 1708.8.
If you have additional questions, please consult the FAA’s website at www.faa.gov/uas
Additional information regarding safe drone operation can be found on the B4UFLY app which can be downloaded on Apple and Android platforms.