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18 U.S.C. § 40A - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 18. Crimes and Criminal Procedure § 40A. Operation of unauthorized unmanned aircraft over wildfires

Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

(a)In general.--Except as provided in subsection (b), an individual who operates an unmanned aircraft and knowingly or recklessly interferes with a wildfire suppression, or law enforcement or emergency response efforts  1 related to a wildfire suppression, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.

(b)Exceptions.--This section does not apply to the operation of an unmanned aircraft conducted by a unit or agency of the United States Government or of a State, tribal, or local government (including any individual conducting such operation pursuant to a contract or other agreement entered into with the unit or agency) for the purpose of protecting the public safety and welfare, including firefighting, law enforcement, or emergency response.

(c)Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1)Unmanned aircraft.--The term “unmanned aircraft” has the meaning given the term in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.

(2)Wildfire.--The term “wildfire” has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Emergency Wildfire Suppression Act (42 U.S.C. 1856m).

(3)Wildfire suppression.--The term “wildfire suppression” means an effort to contain, extinguish, or suppress a wildfire.

1 So in original. Probably should be “effort”.
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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - 18 U.S.C. § 40A - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 18. Crimes and Criminal Procedure § 40A. Operation of unauthorized unmanned aircraft over wildfires - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/us/title-18-crimes-and-criminal-procedure/18-usc-sect-40a/

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