Montgomery, PG Counties Now in No-Drone Zone

Drone videos have replaced cute cat videos as the most popular item on the Internet, but be careful if you plan to pilot your own drone.

You can only operate it further out from Bethesda, Rockville, Bowie and other nearby areas.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Capital Region around Washington, D.C., including the cities and towns within a 30-mile radius of Ronald-Reagan Washington National Airport, are all part of aNo Drone Zone.

Federal rules prohibit any aircraft from operating in the Flight Restricted Zone around Washington, D.C., without specific approval, which includes all unmanned aircraft.

The airspace around Washington, D.C., is more restricted than in any other part of the country. Rules were put in place after the 9/11 attacks to limit aircraft operations to those with an FAA and Transportation Security Administration authorization. Violators face stiff fines and criminal penalties, according to the FAA.

If you are interested in operating a drone outside the 30 mile radius then click here for mandatory FAA drone registration information. Registration is free for the first 30 days with a rebate, then $5 after that.

Registration is required by Feb. 19, 2016. People who do not register could face civil and criminal penalties, according to the FAA.

Image credit: FAA