New Law Regulating Drone Use Signed In Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has signed a new law aimed to combat "Peeping Tom" drone use across the state.

Wolf signed Act 78 of 2018 on Friday. The bill increases criminal penalties for using unmanned aircraft, which are often called drones, to spy on or conduct surveillance of someone in a private place.

Officials said the law is aimed to protect people's privacy, however it provides exceptions for law enforcement officials, government employees, first responders, and utility company employees who use unmanned aircraft in their official duties.

The new law goes into effect in 60 days.

"With the rise in popularity of drones with video cameras, this is a commonsense step to prevent the use of drones to invade someone’s privacy. Drones should not be a tool to spy on someone in their yard or through their window," Wolf said.

The legislation makes using an unmanned aircraft to intentionally or knowingly conduct surveillance of another person in a private place or to place another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury a summary offense.

Using an unmanned aircraft to deliver, provide, transmit or furnish contraband to a person in a prison or in a mental hospital is a felony of the second degree.

Pennsylvania joins several states, including California, Florida, and Mississippi, that have enacted laws to prevent drone usage from violating residents' privacy.

Image via Shutterstock