FAA: Unregistered Drones Could Soon Mean Jail Time

  • U.S. drone operators must register their drones by February 16, 2016.
  • Violators will soon face stiff fines and potential jail time for unregistered drones.
  • Retailers are expecting drones to be a popular gift this holiday season.
  • One of the hottest holiday gifts this year is reportedly drones. However, new FAA rules now mean that drone owners must soon officially register their devices or face the possibility of a steep fine.

    The Registration Process

    According to a new announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration, all drones flown in the United States weighing between 0.55 lbs and 50 lbs must be registered by February 16, 2016. Registration opens on December 21. While the registration typically involves a $5 fee, the FAA is waiving the fee for the first 30 days in an effort to encourage registration.

    Starting February 16, owners operating unregistered drones could face civil fines up to $27,500 and criminal penalties of up to $250,000 and three years in jail.

    Related Link: Wal-Mart, Target Stepping Up Their Game This Cyber Monday

    The Rise Of Drones

    Retailers like Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. WMT are anticipating that drones will be a huge hit this holiday season. Wal-Mart has stocked 15 times as many drones in its stores this holiday season as it did last holiday season, after early search and demand tracking statistics indicated that they would likely be a popular gift this year.

    Stock Plays

    While the hassle involved in the registration process could potentially deter some drone buyers, the companies behind the drone movement are hoping that the FAA makes the process as quick and easy as possible. Investors that believe the drone age is just getting started should consider stocks such as AeroVironment, Inc. AVAV, GoPro Inc GPRO, NVIDIA Corporation NVDA and Ambarella Inc AMBA.

    Disclosure: The author holds no position in the stocks mentioned.

    Image Credit: Public Domain
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