New Drone Laws In Montenegro (Updated 2024)

Drones are aircraft without a human pilot on board and are controlled remotely by a ground-based operator. They first came into use for military purposes, but their use has expanded in recent years to include border patrol, police work, and search and rescue operations.

In Montenegro, drones are used primarily for surveillance and mapping purposes. Montenegrin companies have developed drones that can be used for a variety of tasks, including delivering packages and providing aerial tours. 

Drones are officially becoming a thing in Montenegro, with new laws regulating their use going into effect. In this article, we’ll discuss the Drone Laws In Montenegro. These laws were created to protect citizens and privacy while enabling the safe and responsible use of drones by those who wish to fly them.

Are Drones Legal in Montenegro?

Montenegro is one of the many countries that have legalized the use of drones within its borders, provided the operators adhere to certain rules and regulations set forth by the governing body overseeing air traffic.

The organization in charge of such matters in Montenegro is the Civil Aviation Authority. It is their job to ensure that all drones are operated safely and legally. As long as operators follow these simple rules, they can enjoy all that drone technology offers.

Drone Classifications in Montenegro

In Montenegro, there are four classes of potential flying areas:

Class I

An area that is not built up, with no structures or people except for pilots and crew needed for the operation of aircraft.

Class II

An uninhabited area that is developed and lacks any commercial buildings or structures not meant for people to live in permanently, except for pilots and other staff necessary for flying.

Class III

An area where people live, work, or play, like a neighborhood with houses, businesses, or a park. 

Class IV

Downtown areas, settlements, and other urban zones.

The only class of drones you can fly without a commercial pilot’s license are those that fall under categories I or II. There are four categories, each with its own requirements, based on the flying areas and weight classes below.

Class 5

Drones have a significantly lower maximum take-off weight, at 5kg or less.

Class 10

The drones have a maximum take-off weight capacity of 5 to 10 kilograms.

Class 20

Drones have a weight limit and can carry up to 10-20 kilograms.

General Drone Rules in Montenegro (2024)

The below-listed flying drone regulations do not exist if the machine holds less than 79 joules of energy, is lighter than 500 grams, and cannot go quicker than 20 meters per second, no farther away than 15 meters, or taller than 10 meters.

• The Montenegrin Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) must approve every drone flight and operator prior to takeoff.
• The minimum age requirement for a pilot is sixteen years old.
• For any drones flying in Montenegro, insurance that covers liability is required.
• You can only fly drones during the day.
• Drones should maintain at least a 30-meter distance from people, animals, buildings, car roads, railways, speech lines, and electrical cables.
• It is unsafe to fly drones within 45 meters (150 feet) of densely populated areas.
• Without any assistance, the operator must always have a clear view of the drone.
• You should never fly your drone more than 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from you.
• Do not exceed 150 meters (492 feet) vertically.
• Operators of drones are obliged to maintain flight logs.
• Drones may not weigh more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds).

Rules for Commercial Use of Drones In Montenegro

According to the law, commercial pilots must register their aircraft with the nearest aviation authority. They are also responsible for maintaining a logbook that documents everything about their flights. The following must be documented and kept for at least two years:

• Departure dates
• The start and end times, as well as the total amount of time it ran.
• Name of pilot
• The classified location
• The weight of the drone
• Comments or suggestions on special events.

Drone Registration In Montenegro

Drones that weigh more than 500 grams can fly farther than 15 meters, and higher than 10 meters must be registered in Montenegro.

According to the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Ordinance, the Declaration application form should be sent by mail or email to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Things to Keep in Mind in Case of Importing a Drone

Without a permit from the Ministry of Economy, your drone may be confiscated when entering the country. The import fee for drones must be paid on-site, in duplicate, and personally or through an authorized representative.

The Ministry’s website will have the form you need to fill out for importing, but since it cannot be sent via email, Know that the application process may take up to 30 days.

In addition to the form, Montenegrin translations of all other required documents must be notarized. These include proof of payment, drone specifications, and a statement attesting to knowledge of the regulations as well as your duration of stay and planned use for the drone.

Montenegro Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

The Montenegro Civil Aviation Authority, commonly referred to as the CAA, is a regulatory body that is responsible for overseeing drones and other aircraft in Montenegro.

The CAA also works with other government agencies to ensure that air traffic in Montenegro is safe and compliant with international regulations. Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the CAA has been working to develop regulations that will allow for their safe and efficient operation in Montenegrin airspace.

In addition to regulating drones, the CAA also provides training and certification for drone operators. This ensures that operators are familiar with the rules and regulations governing drone operations in Montenegro.

The CAA is also working on developing a system that will allow for the tracking of drones in real-time, which will help to prevent collisions and other accidents.

No Drone Zones In Montenegro

No drone zones are areas where drones are not allowed to fly. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as safety or privacy concerns. No drone zones are typically well-marked, and drone pilots are expected to familiarize themselves with the rules before flying in any area.

Failure to do so can result in fines or other penalties. In some cases, no drone zones may be actively patrolled by law enforcement, and drones that are caught flying in these areas may be confiscated.

No drone zones are designed to protect the public from potential hazards, and everyone is expected to respect these restrictions.

Do I need a license to fly a drone in Montenegro?

There is no current legal requirement for drone operators to obtain a license in Montenegro. However, all aircraft must be registered with the nearest aviation authority, and operators must maintain flight logs.

There have been cases of drones being used for illegal activities, such as smuggling and espionage, so the government is considering implementing stricter regulations in the future. 

Conclusion

These are the drone laws in Montenegro, so anyone interested in flying drones should familiarize themselves with them. Anyone found violating these regulations can expect stiff fines.

It is important for operators to always remember to maintain a clear view of their drone and never fly it higher than 500 meters away from them or more than 150 meters vertically. Pilots must register their aircraft with the CAA, keep a logbook, and insure it against liability prior to take-off.

Following these regulations will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable flight. Hope you found this article helpful. If so, please leave a comment and share it with your friends.