Beijing to ban drone possession within city limits

Beijing authorities have announced new regulations that will ban the possession and storage of drones and their key components within the city limits, effective November 15. This move significantly tightens existing restrictions that were implemented earlier this year.

Following a ban on drone sales and unauthorized flights in May, the city has already designated its administrative area as restricted airspace. The revised rules aim to “build a reliable defense line for the capital” and ensure public safety. The decision follows a June incident where a small manned aircraft crashed into a skyscraper, resulting in one fatality and 13 injuries.

To assist residents, the government will offer subsidies for drone owners to sell their devices at designated buyback locations, scrap and recycle them, or ship them outside of Beijing before the deadline. Non-compliance may result in the confiscation of devices and fines for both individuals and companies. While drones can still be flown in other parts of China, real-name registration remains mandatory.