The UK Government has announced all drones weighing over 250 grams will now have to be registered.
All users will also have to pass a safety awareness test, to counteract potentially “catastrophic” airline collisions.
There is no time frame or firm details as to how the new rules will be enforced and the Department of Transport admitted “the nuts and bolts still have to be ironed out”.
The drone safety awareness test will involve potential flyers having to “prove that they understand UK safety, security and privacy regulations”, it said.
The plans also include the extension of geo-fencing, in which no-fly zones are programmed into drones using GPS co-ordinates, around areas such as prisons and airports.
Aviation minister Lord Callanan said the regulations will “prioritise protecting the public while maximising the full potential of drones”.
“Increasingly, drones are proving vital for inspecting transport infrastructure for repair or aiding police and fire services in search and rescue operations, even helping to save lives,” he said. “But like all technology, drones too can be misused.”
