As drones increasingly dot our skies, both hobbyists and the concerned public seek clarity on the rules of this aerial frontier. In a recent social media dispatch, the Sandy City Police Department laid out the do's and don'ts of drone operation in an effort to demystify the regulations swirling around these high-flying devices. "With more drones in the sky, we want to be transparent about what’s legal and what’s not," says the post that seeks to guide the community on the nuances of drone legality, as obtained by the Sandy City Police Department.
The police department post explained that shooting down or damaging a drone is prohibited, pinpointing how such actions might bring federal and state charges, given that drones are classified as aircraft. Moreover, while flying a drone over someone's home isn't outright illegal, the issues arise when these drones are used for peering into private areas, capturing views or recordings that intrude upon privacy, an offense that necessitates proof for enforcement. Their guidance: "It depends. Flying itself isn’t automatically illegal — but using a drone to peer into private areas (like windows or fenced yards) can be." This information was shared in a recent social media update by the Sandy City Police Department.
When it comes to more public spaces, drones have their limitations as well. Sandy City Police clarified that most drones aren't sanctioned for flights over moving vehicles or crowds, with the latter requiring special Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval, a rare concession. As for capturing the energy and spectacle of games and concerts, drone operators must secure written consent from the venue and event organizer, a measure that reinforces respect for both safety and proprietary event rights.
