FAA Implements 400-Foot Drone Ban Across Key New Jersey Cities Amid Safety Concerns

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a directive prohibiting drones from flying above 400 feet in various cities across New Jersey, a decisive measure in response to numerous reports of drone sightings throughout the month.

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This restriction will remain in effect until January 17 and covers nearly two dozen cities, including well-known locations such as Jersey City, Harrison, Edison, Bayonne, and Camden.

The ban is the result of an investigation led by the FBI, which has received thousands of tips as federal, state, and local authorities push for more information on the origin and motivation behind the unauthorized flights.

The measure specifically pertains to drones flying within one nautical mile of the designated airspace for each location, with the possibility of employing «lethal force» if they pose an «imminent security threat,” reported Aeroin.

Affected Cities

The affected cities in northern New Jersey include Cedar Grove, Bridgewater, North Brunswick, Metuchen, South Brunswick, Edison, Branchburg, Sewaren, Jersey City, Harrison, Hudson County, Elizabeth, Bayonne, Clifton, and Kearny.

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In the state’s central region, Hamilton in Mercer County is affected, while in the south, Burlington, Evesham, Camden, Gloucester City, Westampton, Winslow, and Hancocks Bridge in Salem County fall under the prohibition.

The directive predominantly covers central areas around critical infrastructure, such as electrical substations, as well as strategic locations like Port of Kearny and the airspace surrounding military facilities, including Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and major transport hubs, such as Newark Liberty International Airport.

The order warns that pilots who disregard national security requirements may be intercepted, detained, and interviewed by federal, state, or local authorities. The severity of these measures reflects the security concerns raised by authorities regarding the increasing use of drones in sensitive areas.