Most people do the right thing. Breaking the rules can land you in trouble. You could face operating restrictions, fines or jail.
We get reports of unsafe flying from:
- members of the public, submitted using our report unsafe drone operations service
- police
- Australia’s national drone detection system
- authorised representatives of CASA.
We review and assess all complaints and reports of unsafe flying.
If you break the rules, we may:
- educate – provide you with the drone safety rules to guide you in the right direction
- counsel – provide formal advice or a warning about the offence
- issue an infringement notice – impose fines and operating restrictions.
For serious offences or if you refuse to pay a fine, we will refer your case to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and you may receive a summons to attend court.
Penalties
If you're liable for a penalty, we'll notify you in writing and include:
- the reason for the penalty
- the amount of the penalty
- the due date for payment.
We can issue a fine of up to $1,650 per offence.
We can also restrict or cancel your accreditation, licence, certificate, or registration.
You may receive a summons to appear in court, which could result in:
- convicted of a crime
- restricted from flying
- fined up to $16,500.
If you interfere with a drone or your drone becomes a hazard to other aircraft, you can be sent to jail for up to two years.
States and territories may have extra laws and penalties that apply to improper use of drones.