Vivid Sydney: Cops warn no drones over Sydney Harbour during city’s popular lights festival

Police warning about a little-known rule in effect across Sydney during the city’s popular Vivid Flights festival — and it could cost you $1,375

  • Recreational drones are banned at Vivid Festival in Sydney CBD
  • Police reminded visitors to the city of the little-known rule
  • Fines of up to $13,750 will apply, NSW police said Saturday

Recreational drones are banned from Sydney’s Vivid festival and violators risk fines of up to $13,750.

NSW Police posted a reminder about the little-known rule banning the use of the devices in Sydney Harbor and the city’s CBD.

It comes after the 23-day festival with its light installations, music and food offerings that kicked off last month and drew huge crowds to the CBD.

“The rules are ‘airplane’ and simple – Sydney Harbor and the Sydney CBD is a no-fly zone for recreational drones even during Vivid Sydney,” police said on social media.

Skyrocketing fines of up to $1,375 can be imposed per violation. If the case goes to court, fines of up to $13,750 could be imposed.

NSW police warned revelers attending this year’s Vivid Festival in Sydney (pictured) to remember that the area is a ‘no-fly zone’ for recreational drone users

Drones are banned from flying over Sydney Harbor and the city's CBD during the city's Vivid Lights festival (pictured)

Drones are banned from flying over Sydney Harbor and the city’s CBD during the city’s Vivid Lights festival (pictured)

“For more information on responsible recreational drone use, please visit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority – CASA website.”

One social media commenter called the rule “just an excuse for revenue,” while others embraced the bans.

“All drone pilots must know the laws of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. No idea why people need to be warned, same goes for drivers, they know the laws and a small percentage still break them,” someone said.

One social media commentator thought the rule was

One social media commentator thought the rule was “just an excuse for revenue,” while others embraced the bans

1685774064 370 Vivid Sydney Cops warn no drones over Sydney Harbour during

“How would they catch the offenders flying the drone into CBD?” asked another online commenter

The festival (pictured) with its '8.5 km adventure' of light installations, music and dining options at various locations in Sydney CBD will run until June 17

The festival (pictured) with its ‘8.5 km adventure’ of light installations, music and dining options at various locations in Sydney CBD will run until June 17

“How would they catch the offenders flying the drone into CBD?” asked another.

“I will try to use the drones tonight, catch me and fine me,” a third wrote.

“I heard they allow drones in Ukraine,” said a fourth.

The festival with its ‘8.5 km adventure’ of light installations, music and dining at various locations in Sydney CBD will run until June 17.

Drone rules in Australia

You must not fly your drone higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above the ground.

You must keep your drone at least 30 meters away from other people.

You are only allowed to fly one drone at a time.

You must keep your drone within line of sight, which means you can always see the drone with your own eyes (rather than through a device, screen, or goggles).

You must not fly over or over people or in densely populated areas. These can be beaches, parks, events or sports ovals where a game is in progress.

Respect personal privacy. Do not record or take pictures of people without their permission – this may violate other laws.

You may only fly during the day and you may not fly through cloud or fog.

You must not operate your drone in a manner that poses a danger to any other aircraft, person or property.

If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, you must fly at least 5.5 kilometers from a controlled airport, which usually has a control tower.

For more information, visit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s CASA website.

Source: Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)