Beijing Plans Citywide Drone Ownership Ban

Beijing will prohibit residents and businesses from possessing or storing drones and key components anywhere inside the city beginning Nov. 15. The step widens earlier bans on unauthorized flights, sales, rentals and bringing drones into the capital. Authorities gain power to confiscate devices and fine violators. Owners may sell, scrap or relocate drones outside Beijing before the deadline and can obtain subsidies through designated disposal programs. Exceptions remain for approved uses in counterterrorism, disaster relief, major events, agriculture, education, research, production, and sports training or competitions. The measures follow a fatal June crash of a small aircraft that killed the pilot and injured 13 people. Drone use stays legal elsewhere in China under real-name registration. Rated coverage in the record is limited to a single center outlet; no left-rated or right-rated headlines appear.