Are you dealing with an annoying drone flying over your property? Have you ever considered shooting it down with a firearm? The logic makes sense. It’s an uninvited intruder over your property with a camera. Shooting it down seems like the least you could do in that situation.
Well, you might want to pump the brakes. Discharging a firearm, regardless of the circumstances, is a serious situation. Depending on your surroundings, the consequences could be potentially fatal.
At Rocket Drones, we have a combined decades of professional drone experience. That experience includes a deep understanding of Federal Aviation Administration regulations and local laws regarding drones. In this article, we will discuss the laws around drones on private property, discharging a firearm, and options to safely handle the situation.
Key Takeaways
- Shooting down a drone can lead to serious legal consequences, including misdemeanor charges in some states and federal penalties for targeting any aircraft.
- Some state laws prohibit discharging a firearm over occupied premises or public roads, classifying such acts as reckless or negligent.
- The FAA strictly prohibits private citizens from shooting at any aircraft, including drones, due to safety risks associated with stray projectiles.
- If a drone is bothersome, try locating the operator to discuss the situation. Many times, a simple conversation can resolve the issue.
- If the drone poses a continued nuisance, contact local law enforcement. They can take appropriate action based on local drone laws and ensure your concerns are addressed.
Firing Weapons on Your Property
Your local laws will change based on the state in which you reside. However, laws regarding discharging a firearm are written in plain black and white.
For instance, Florida law states: “Except as provided in subsection (2) or subsection (3), any person who knowingly discharges a firearm in any public place or on the right-of-way of any paved public road, highway, or street, who knowingly discharges any firearm over the right-of-way of any paved public road, highway, or street or over any occupied premises, or who recklessly or negligently discharges a firearm outdoors on any property used primarily as the site of a dwelling as defined in s. 776.013 or zoned exclusively for residential use commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.”
Let’s talk about what that means in layman’s terms.
- You cannot fire a gun over a public road.
- You cannot fire a gun over an occupied dwelling.
- You cannot fire a gun on your personal property in a reckless or negligent manner.
Think about the physics behind shooting a drone. We must assume that the drone is in an elevated position above your home. This means that you would be firing a gun up into the air. That projectile is extremely likely to pass over several occupied dwellings and public roads. Lastly, firing any firearm into the air could be considered reckless and negligent. To put it plainly, it’s just downright dangerous.
FAA Regulations for Shooting a Drone
Still not convinced by the local laws? Maybe you live in a rural area far away from any public roads with no neighbors in sight. You should be in the clear to take down that drone with a firearm, right?
You would be wrong. To layer on top of your state laws, federal law leaves much less room for interpretation.
According to the FAA, “It’s illegal under federal law to shoot at an aircraft. A private citizen shooting at any aircraft – including unmanned aircraft – poses a significant safety hazard”
Shooting any aircraft could result in civil or criminal charges from both federal and state law enforcement.
What Can You Do About That Annoying Drone?
Now that we’ve definitively confirmed that you cannot and should not shoot down a drone with a firearm, what can you do? It’s still a nuisance and an invasion of your privacy. It may surprise you to learn that there are no federal laws regarding privacy and private property as they pertain to drone operations. However, there are laws at the local level that differ depending on the state.
If you notice an unwanted drone flying over your home, here’s what you should do.
- Locate the drone pilot. In many cases, the drone might be operating in good faith. It could be a junior pilot learning or just someone who has temporarily lost sight of their aircraft. Take a look at your surroundings and see if you can find the operator to engage them in a quick conversation. More often than not, this alone can solve the issue.
- Call local law enforcement. Many state police and sheriff’s offices have officers available to assist you with situations like these. They know the laws regarding privacy and drones and will be able to investigate the situation the same way they would any other potential crime.
Final Thoughts About Shooting Down a Drone
In any scenario, using a firearm to shoot down a drone is a bad idea. Not only is it illegal, you could potentially harm an innocent bystander by discharging a firearm recklessly into the air. If you suspect that a drone is hovering over your property with bad intentions, it’s best to notify your local law enforcement as soon as possible.
FAQ About Shooting Down a Drone
Q1: Is it legal to shoot down a drone flying over my property?
A: No. It is illegal under federal law to fire on any aircraft, including unmanned systems. Additionally, some state laws prohibit discharging a firearm over occupied dwellings or public roads. This could result in both civil and criminal charges and the state and federal level.
Q2: What should I do if I find a drone flying over my property?
A: If you notice an unwanted drone, first try to locate the drone operator, as they may be operating in good faith. If you cannot find the operator, consider calling local law enforcement for assistance. They can help address the situation and enforce any relevant laws regarding privacy and drone use.
Q3: Are there any local laws regarding drone privacy that I should be aware of?
A: Yes, while there are no federal laws specifically addressing drone privacy, many states and local jurisdictions have their own regulations concerning the use of drones. These laws may cover issues like privacy invasion and require licensing for drone operators. It’s important to check your local laws to understand your rights and the drone operator’s responsibilities regarding privacy.
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