FAA Announces Drone No Fly Zone Over Hanford Beginning Dec. 29

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is banning drone flights over the Hanford nuclear reservation through an agreement with the Department of Energy beginning Dec. 29.

The restriction was requested by U.S. national security and law enforcement agencies, according to the FAA.

The new rules on unauthorized drones take effect over Hanford and six other sites managed by DOE.

Any exceptions to the new rule must be approved by Hanford officials or the DOE.

Operating a drone in restricted air space illegally can bring civil penalties and criminal charges.