Beijing puts a total ban on drones in update to regulations after deadly crash

China’s capital will enforce the country’s toughest rules on UAVs from November 15 but a no-fly zone will be in effect from Sunday

The newly revised regulations on the management of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were announced on Sunday on the municipal government website. They will apply across the city.

The authorities will also establish a no-fly zone in the capital and its surrounding areas, effective from September 20, primarily restricting non-essential flights, official media in Beijing said on Sunday. Commercial aviation and emergency rescue operations will be exempt.

According to the document, Beijing’s entire administrative area is designated as restricted airspace for UAVs. It is forbidden not only to fly drones but also to possess, store, transport or bring them and their core components into the city, except in exceptional circumstances.