Federal regulators prohibit drone flights in dozens of locations across New Jersey

The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented temporary flight restrictions over critical infrastructure in more than 20 locations in New Jersey in response to numerous reported drone sightings, which authorities believe were largely misidentified.

Despite the rise in drone sightings, homeland security officials assert that there is no current public safety threat, but issued the temporary flight restrictions 'out of an abundance of caution.'

Authorities have noted a significant increase in the number of laser strikes aimed at aircraft since the spike in reported drone sightings, with a 269% increase in reports this December compared to last year.

In a joint statement, the DHS, FAA, and other departments clarified that most reported drone sightings consist of regular aviation planes and lawful drones, not malicious activities.

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