The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drone operators that a New York law in effect since August 25 makes certain unlawful drone use a Class A misdemeanor.
New York Penal Law Section 280.05 prohibits drone activity conducted in a way that threatens public safety, facilitates criminal activity, interferes with law enforcement or emergency response, or disrupts search-and-rescue operations. The sheriff’s office says interference during emergencies can put first responders and the public at risk.
The law also restricts unauthorized drone flights in designated prohibited spaces, generally extending 500 feet horizontally from qualifying locations. Those locations can include airports, correctional facilities, police and fire stations, emergency-services facilities, schools, certain critical infrastructure and public gatherings involving 500 or more people.
Locations in Chemung County that may be affected include Elmira Corning Regional Airport, the Chemung County Correctional Facility, Elmira Correctional Facility, law-enforcement facilities, qualifying emergency-services facilities and schools throughout the county.
The sheriff’s office is urging drone users not to interfere with police activity, emergency response, disaster operations or search-and-rescue efforts. Operators should review both state rules and Federal Aviation Administration requirements before flying.
The county notice is intended as a public reminder for recreational and commercial drone users. Additional details are available in New York Penal Law Section 280.05 and through current FAA drone-safety guidance.
