New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a law on Monday making it illegal to fly an unmanned drone aircraft after too many drinks, a spokesman said on the Republican’s last day in office.
The law prohibits flying a drone with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 per cent or higher, the same as for driving a vehicle, or while drugged. Violators face up to six months in jail, a $1 000 fine or both.
The measure, which passed the Democratic-controlled state legislature earlier this month, also bars flying a drone near a prison or in pursuit of wildlife.
The drone measure was among 109 bills that Christie signed into law on his last full day in office, spokesman Brian Murray said by email. Christie’s successor, Democrat Phil Murphy, is to be sworn in on Tuesday.
At least 38 states are considering restrictions on drone flying this legislative year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The Consumer Technology Association has forecast that 3.1 million drones were sold in the United States last year, up 28 per cent from the year before. (Reuters)
