A mini drone is a small, lightweight drone. They usually weigh less than 250 grams. These small drones are very manoeuvrable and sometimes lightning fast. They are often used for flying indoors, but sometimes also for flying outdoors. However, the term mini drone is not clearly defined. Some people choose to speak of a mini drone only if it weighs less than 250 grams. Others look at the dimensions rather than the weight, which means that under this definition a mini drone can weigh more than 250 grams. This has far-reaching consequences for the applicable rules. This page describes the situation in the Netherlands.
Mini drones weighing less than 250 grams
Most experts only speak of mini drones if they weigh less than 250 grams at take-off. Unlike with heavier drones, it is not compulsory to take a knowledge test. When flying mini drones weighing less than 250 grams, there are, however, a number of general rules to respect.
- The pilot must be at least 16 years old, or the younger pilot must fly with an observer, for example a parent
- Flying is only allowed in a zone where it is permitted
- The pilot may not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- The pilot may not fly near emergency services
- It is compulsory to land immediately if other air traffic approaches
- The privacy of others must always be respected
In other words, with mini drones up to 250 grams it is not compulsory to take a knowledge test. A drone pilot certificate or certificate of competency is not compulsory either. Registering with the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) is not compulsory either, except when the mini drone has a camera.
Mini drone that is a toy drone
Some mini drones that weigh less than 250 grams fall under the heading of toy drone. A toy drone is a drone made for children under fourteen. The age indication on the packaging is decisive here. The rules for such toy drones are extra relaxed. For example, there is no minimum age, it is not compulsory to register with the RDW (not even if the drone has a camera), and it is not necessary to take a knowledge test or to have a drone pilot certificate.
Mini drone weighing more than 250 grams
Depending on how mini drones are classified, a mini drone sometimes weighs (slightly) more than 250 grams at take-off. In that case, the general rules for low-risk flights apply. The exceptions mentioned above do not apply in this case. However, the latest generation of mini drones is so small that in principle they only rarely weigh more than 250 grams.
All rules for low-risk flightsMini drone rules
The mini drone rules (minidroneregeling) were introduced on 1 July 2016. They were intended to make it easier to fly a drone for business purposes that weighs no more than four kilograms. This required a special permit, the so-called ROC-light, which was applied for, for a fee, from the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). Since 1 January 2022, the ROC-light is no longer valid and the European drone rules apply (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, Article 21, as amended by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/746).
More about the mini drone rulesFrequently asked questions about mini drones
Drones are getting smaller and smaller, and the regulations are constantly changing. That is logical too, because drones are a recent phenomenon. It always takes a while before new technical developments are also properly regulated by law. As a result, people often have questions about such mini drones.
Can I fly a mini drone anywhere?
No, it is not permitted to fly a (mini) drone over military sites, events and government buildings, among other places. Some Natura 2000 areas, protected nature areas above the Wadden Sea and the buildings of the royal palace are also off limits. For low-risk drones, quite a few additional restrictions apply. There are flight maps that show where flying is or is not permitted.
Can I film secretly with a mini drone?
No, secretly filming and taking photos with a drone is not permitted. It is even a criminal offence. Secret filming or photographing occurs if, for example, you film in places that are not publicly accessible and do not make it clear that you are filming. So you may film or take photos in places where you are normally allowed to go and where you would be allowed to film or take photos with a normal camera. If you want to film or take photos on enclosed premises, you need the owner's permission.
Which drone pilot certificate do I need for a mini drone?
A mini drone in principle weighs less than 250 grams. This means you do not need a drone pilot certificate to fly a mini drone, not even if you use the mini drone outdoors.
Where can I report a nuisance caused by a mini drone?
Mini drones are relatively cheap and are becoming increasingly common, which means nuisance cannot be ruled out. You report a nuisance to the local police in principle. Record as much information as possible. Important details include the date of the incident, the time, the pilot's details, the appearance of the drone (pilot) and information about the drone and the flight path. This helps the police to take appropriate action.
What can I do with a mini drone?
You can fly a mini drone both indoors and outdoors. It is not permitted to fly over crowds or around airfields. In addition, there are various places where flying a drone is not permitted. As soon as there is a threat of danger, you must in any case stop the drone flight.