Cops warn no drones over Sydney Harbour during city’s popular lights festival

• Recreational drones are banned at Vivid Festival in Sydney CBD  
• Police reminded visitors to the city about the little-known rule
• Fines of up to $13,750 apply, NSW Police said on Saturday

Recreational drones are barred from Sydney’s Vivid festival with offenders facing fines of up to $13,750.

NSW Police posted a reminder about the little-known rule prohibiting the use of the devices across Sydney Harbour and the city’s CBD. 

It comes after the 23-day festival with its light installations, music and food offerings kicked off last month attracting huge crowds to the CBD. 

‘The rules are ‘plane’ and simple – Sydney Harbour and the Sydney CBD is a No-Fly Zone for recreational drones, even during Vivid Sydney,’ the police said on social media. 

‘Sky high fines of up to $1,375 can be issued per offence. If the matter is taken to court, fines of up to $13,750 can be imposed.

‘For more information on responsible recreational drone use, visit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority – CASA website.’

One social media commenter thought the rule was ‘just an excuse for revenue’, while others embraced the bans. 

‘All drone flyers should know the laws under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. No idea why people have to be warned, same with drivers, they know the laws and a small percent still breaks them,’ one said. 

‘How would they catch the offenders flying the drone up in CBD?’ another asked.

‘I will try used the drones tonight, catch me n fined me,’ a third wrote.

‘I heard in Ukraine they allow drones,’ a fourth said.

The festival with its ‘8.5km adventure’ of light installations, music and dining options across various Sydney CBD locations runs until June 17.

Drone rules in Australia

You must not fly your drone higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level.

You must keep your drone at least 30 metres away from other people.

You must only fly one drone at a time.

You must keep your drone within visual line-of-sight – which means always being able to see the drone with your own eyes (rather than through a device, screen or goggles).

You must not fly over or above people or in a populous area. This could include beaches, parks, events or sport ovals where there is a game in progress.

Respect personal privacy. Don’t record or photograph people without their consent – this may breach other laws.

You must only fly during the day and you must not fly through cloud or fog.

You must not operate your drone in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person or property. 

If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, you must fly at least 5.5 kilometres away from a controlled airport, which generally have a control tower at them. 

For more information go to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority CASA website.

Source: Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)