In recent years, drones have seen dramatic improvements in performance, including video transmission range, flight speed, and maximum payload capacity, and they are now being utilized in a wide range of fields—such as infrastructure inspection, surveying, agriculture, reporting and journalism, disaster response, and logistics—to support our daily lives and industries.
At the same time, incidents involving drone use in terrorist acts and the like have actually occurred in various countries abroad.
In our country as well, there are concerns about the potential occurrence of serious incidents involving the misuse of drones by terrorists or lone offenders, and countermeasures are an urgent priority.
In light of this situation, with due consideration for harmonizing with drone utilization, the “Act on the Prohibition of Flight of Small Unmanned Machines, etc.” was amended in June of this year to address dangerous drone flights accompanying technological advancements, and it came into effect on July 14.
The amendments consist of two major points.
＜Regarding the Expansion of “No-Flight Zones”＞
First, in consideration of the recent performance improvements in drones and similar devices, the “no-flight zones” have been expanded.
The expanded “no-flight zones” cover the premises and areas of “important facilities” such as the Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building, foreign embassies and consulates, defense-related facilities, airports, and nuclear facilities (so-called “red zones”), as well as the areas surrounding them extending approximately 1,000 meters (so-called “yellow zones”).
Note that while there are no changes from the previous law in this regard, the prohibition applies to “small unmanned machines” such as drones and radio-controlled model aircraft, as well as “specific aviation equipment” such as balloons and paragliders.
＜Regarding Provisions for Penalties on Illegal Flight Activities in the Airspace over “Yellow Zones”＞
Among illegal flights in no-flight zones, those involving flight over the airspace of “yellow zones” were previously subject to penalties only if they failed to comply with orders from police officers or similar authorities. However, with this amendment, such acts are now immediately subject to penalties (imprisonment for up to 6 months or a fine of up to 500,000 yen), in the same manner as in red zones.
Note that even in cases where flight in a no-flight zone is exceptionally permitted—such as when conducted by the manager of an “important facility”—the general requirement remains unchanged from before the amendment: prior notification to the relevant prefectural Public Safety Commission (police) or other authorities must be made at least 48 hours before the flight commences.
We ask that you please take care when operating drones or similar devices.
＜Regarding Confirmation of “No-Flight Zones”＞
The scope of “no-flight zones” can be easily confirmed using tools such as the Drone Information Platform System (DIPS) operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Geographical Survey Institute’s “Geospatial Information Authority Map,” or apps designed for drones.
When operating a drone, we kindly request that you always check for “no-flight zones” beforehand and complete any necessary procedures, such as prior notification to the police.
To ensure the safety and peace of mind of the public, we will further enhance our capabilities to address dangerous drone flights while taking every possible precaution to prevent risks to important facilities from drones in advance.
: Sanae Takaichi
Prime Minister of Japan