What to Do If You See a Drone Flying Over Your Property Without Permission? What RD 2024 Says SPAIN

Introduction

The use of drones has become increasingly popular in recent years for both recreational and professional purposes. However, their presence over private property without consent has raised concerns about privacy and safety. In Spain, the regulation of these devices is established in Royal Decree 517/2024, which defines the rights and responsibilities of operators and citizens. In this article, we explain what to do if you spot a drone flying over your property without authorization and the legal actions you can take.

Is it legal for a drone to fly over my property?

According to RD 517/2024, drone flights in urban areas and over private properties are regulated and subject to restrictions:

• Drones cannot fly over residential areas without the express authorization of the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA), unless they meet specific safety and privacy requirements.

• Operators must have a license and comply with safety and data protection regulations.

• The use of drones with cameras to record or photograph people without their consent is prohibited, except in exceptional cases provided by law.

• If a drone flies over your property without permission, it could be violating safety and privacy regulations.

What to do if a drone flies over your property without permission

1. Stay calm
   It is understandable to feel invaded, but it is important to act calmly. Do not try to take down the drone, as you could incur legal liabilities.

2. Identify the operator
   If possible, try to locate the person controlling the drone. Often, the operator is nearby and may not be aware that they are breaking the law.

3. Document the situation
   Collect all possible information:

• Date, time, and location where you saw the drone.

• Photos or videos of the drone in action.

• Drone characteristics (color, size, model if recognizable).

• If you manage to identify the operator, note their description and location.

1. Report to authorities
   If the drone is violating your privacy or could pose a danger, you can report it to the authorities:

• Local or National Police: If you feel your safety or privacy is at risk.

• AESA (Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency): If you suspect the drone is operating illegally.

Providing evidence will help ensure appropriate action is taken.

1. Avoid illegal actions
   Some people try to take down drones using stones, weapons, or signal-jamming devices. However, this is illegal and could result in fines or legal issues for you.

Legal consequences for the drone operator

RD 517/2024 establishes penalties for those who operate drones irresponsibly:

• Fines of up to €225,000 for flights in prohibited areas.

• Fines of up to €4,500 for misuse of cameras and violations of privacy.

• Confiscation of equipment if it poses a risk to public safety.

What if the drone belongs to an official agency?

If the drone is operated by law enforcement, firefighters, or other official agencies, its presence may be justified for security, emergencies, or authorized surveillance. In these cases, the law allows its use under specific conditions.

Conclusion

If you detect a drone flying over your property without permission, follow these steps: stay calm, try to identify the operator, document the situation, and contact the authorities if necessary. The regulations protect your privacy and establish penalties for operators who break the law. Acting knowledgeably will help you defend your rights without engaging in illegal actions.