Beijing has taken the lead with the most draconian measures. From May 1, 2026, the entire administrative area of the capital will be designated a controlled airspace. All outdoor drone flights require prior approval, and specialized flying zones may be designated only where needed. Sales, rentals, transport, and storage of drones and their core components face severe restrictions, including outright bans in many cases without public security approval.
Escalating Penalties for "Black Flights" and Mandatory Real-Name Tracking
The crackdown began intensifying on January 1, 2026, with the implementation of the revised Public Security Administration Punishments Law. For the first time, "black flights" — operating drones in violation of airspace rules — are explicitly classified as acts endangering public safety. Penalties have escalated beyond fines to include administrative detention, and in serious cases, criminal detention. Most controlled airspace flights now require applications at least one day in advance.
Two new mandatory national standards take effect on May 1: the "Requirements for Real-Name Registration and Activation of Civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles" and the "Specifications for Operation and Identification of Civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems." All drones in China must undergo real-name registration, with real-time tracking of flight activities enforced.
On March 27, Beijing authorities passed the "Beijing Regulations on the Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles," imposing tight controls on production, sales, flights, transport, and storage. Existing owners must complete registration and activation by April 30, 2026.
Real-World Enforcement: Police Calls Within Seconds of Takeoff
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