Japan on Wednesday enacted stricter drone regulations, expanding no-fly zones around key facilities from about 300 metres to roughly 1,000 metres as part of enhanced counterterrorism measures, local media reported.
The revised regulations expand restricted airspace around sensitive facilities, including the Imperial Palace, the prime minister’s office and the US Embassy in Tokyo, with some no-fly zones extending beyond one kilometre depending on local terrain, Kyodo News reported.
Flying drones in designated “yellow zones” can result in penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment or fines of up to 500,000 yen ($3,120).
Previously, immediate enforcement applied only when drones flew directly above designated “red zone” facilities.
