{"jurisdiction": "us-ny", "code": "penal", "section": "280.05", "citation": "Penal Law § 280.05", "heading": "Unlawful use of a drone", "text": ["* § 280.05 Unlawful use of a drone.", "A person commits unlawful use of a drone when such person:", "1. operates a drone in a nefarious manner; or", "2. operates a drone over prohibited space without express prior approval from someone the person reasonably believes has the authority to grant such approval.", "Unlawful use of a drone is a class A misdemeanor.", "* NB Effective August 25, 2026"], "official_source": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/280.05", "from_official_api": true, "plain_english": "A person commits unlawful drone use by **operating a drone in a nefarious manner** or by **flying it over prohibited space without express advance approval from someone reasonably believed authorized to give it**. ★ It is a **class A misdemeanor**.", "in_force_on": "2026-05-31", "retrieved": "2026-09-27", "url": "https://elyphived.com/us-ny/penal/280.05", "publisher": "Elyphived LLC"}