Beijing bans drone ownership as safety crackdown intensifies

Beijing's drone regulations, first introduced in May, already forbade sales, rentals, transport and flights within the municipality. The latest amendment eliminates the right to keep any drone inside the city, allowing only storage of devices and parts outside the central zone after approval by security authorities. Authorities will confiscate drones and impose penalties, with higher fines for corporate offenders.

Citizens must bring their drones to official drop-off sites, where they will be paid a small amount for each unit. The crackdown follows a June incident in which a light aircraft struck the CITIC-Tower, injuring 13 people and killing the pilot, prompting officials to tighten low-altitude airspace security.