Drone Use Highly Restricted in Texas

It's been a couple of weeks since Texas' law on drone use has been implemented. On September 1, Texas joined six other states which have implemented laws regarding these unmanned surveillance equipments.

Drones, defined as unmanned aerial vehicles have been used countless number of times in history. Although these surveillance equipments were mainly used for military and special operation applications, usage has extended to civil work like those engaged in by police departments and organizations. Drones can be quite helpful in gathering information but they can also threaten privacy.

Texas has recently passed a law implementing stricter guidelines on drone use - especially for private individuals. According to Fort Worth Business Press, the newly passed law makes capturing images of people and property without permission punishable through a fine.

Specifically, those who capture images without permission through these unmanned aerial vehicles will be charged a fine of up to $500. Property owners and those who were taken images of can also claim up to $10,000 in civil penalties provided that they are able to prove that the images were taken and reproduced with malice.

Although penalties now await those who are intending to make use of drones in Texas, the law has several exceptions. The drone use law in Texas has over 40 exceptions - including a favorable stance toward police work. The police department and law enforcement contractors will be allowed to use drones without a search warrant if and only if they "have reasonable suspicion or probable cause."

The newly passed Texas law on drone use also allows for usage of the equipment anywhere within 25 miles of the U.S. border. Students who are conducting research work and real estate brokers who need to take promotional pictures through drones are also exempted from paying the $500 fine and being subjected to up to $10,000 in civil penalties.

Texas' move to regulate drone use by private individuals and public entities has been highly applauded by the supporters of the state. According to them, the move showcases the state's efforts to protect the privacy of its citizens and at the same time, make use of technology advancements in improving work done by the police department and law enforcement contractors.