Regulation
Remote ID and the European drone rules
Since 1 January 2024, almost all drones in Europe must broadcast their identity and position. That is the basis on which the DRID works. This page explains what the rules say, who they apply to and what your organisation may do with drone detection.
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Two regulations, one basis
The European drone rules are set out in two regulations that have applied in all member states since 31 December 2020. Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 contains the requirements for the drone as a product, including the class markings C0 to C6 and the Direct Remote ID obligation. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 contains the rules for flying: the open, specific and certified categories, operator registration and pilot requirements.
In the Netherlands, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) supervises compliance. Operator registration is handled by the RDW. The registration number an operator receives there is one of the data items the drone broadcasts via Remote ID.
What Remote ID actually means
Remote ID is the obligation for a drone to broadcast an identification message during flight. The standard ASD-STAN EN 4709-002 defines the content and the radio transports. The message contains the drone’s serial number, the operator’s registration number, the drone’s position and altitude, heading and speed, the pilot’s position or the take-off point, a timestamp and any emergency status.
The standard allows four transports: Bluetooth 4 (Legacy Advertising), Bluetooth 5 (Long Range), WiFi Beacon and WiFi NaN. The manufacturer chooses. A receiver that wants to see all drones must therefore listen on all four.
Which drones the requirement applies to
| Drone | Category | Direct Remote ID |
|---|---|---|
| Class C0, lighter than 250 grams | Open, A1 | Not required |
| Class C1, C2, C3 | Open, A1 to A3 | Required, built in |
| Class C5, C6 | Specific (standard scenario) | Required, built in |
| No class, lighter than 250 grams | Open, A1 | Not required |
| No class, 250 grams to 25 kilos | Open, A3 only (far from people) | Not required |
| Any drone in the specific category | Specific | Required, built in or via add-on module |
Since 1 January 2024, the transition period for drones without a class marking has ended. Such drones may only fly in subcategory A3 of the open category, well away from people and buildings. Anyone flying an older drone without Remote ID above an event is therefore already breaking the distance rules, regardless of any ban in the permit.
U-space and Network Remote ID
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/664 introduces U-space: designated airspace in which drones must use digital services, including network identification (Network Remote ID), geo-awareness and flight authorisation. Member states designate U-space airspace themselves. Check with ILT or LVNL whether and where U-space airspace has been designated in the Netherlands; outside that airspace, Direct Remote ID remains the basis.
Dutch rules around events
Airspace is a national competence. A municipality cannot ban flying itself, but it can include conditions in the event permit and can restrict take-off and landing on its territory through local by-laws. In addition, the open category prohibits flying over assemblies of people. For major events, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management can establish a temporary restricted area, closing the airspace above the event to drones.
In practice, most permits contain a ban on drones above the site and, increasingly, an obligation for the organiser to take measures. Drone detection through Remote ID is the way to show that you have taken those measures and to actually enforce the ban together with security and police.
What your organisation may do
- Receive and display Remote ID signals. The signal is deliberately public.
- Use the pilot’s position to send security or police to the spot.
- Store observations for debriefs and permit applications, with an appropriate retention period.
- Share the data with police and the municipality in the context of event safety.
What you may not do
- Jam a drone. The use of jammers is prohibited in the Netherlands under the Telecommunications Act.
- Take over, bring down or capture a drone. These powers are reserved for the police, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and the armed forces.
- Keep observations longer or share them more widely than the purpose requires.
The AEROTECT DRID is a passive receiver. It transmits nothing and therefore falls outside the rules for transmitting equipment. The picture it provides is intended to enable the authorised agencies to act.
Privacy and the GDPR
The operator’s registration number and the pilot’s position are personal data within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). An organisation processing this data usually does so on the basis of a legitimate interest: the safety of visitors and compliance with the permit. Record your purpose, your retention period and who has access.
When you use the AEROTECT platform, AEROTECT is the processor and you are the controller. We conclude a data processing agreement for this. You set the retention period yourself in the platform.
Sources
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft systems
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/664 on a regulatory framework for the U-space
- ASD-STAN prEN 4709-002, Direct Remote Identification
- ASTM F3411, Standard Specification for Remote ID and Tracking
- Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and RDW, registration and supervision in the Netherlands
This page explains the regulation and is not legal advice. When in doubt, consult the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) or a specialised lawyer.
Questions about your situation?
We are happy to advise on placement, numbers and permit conditions.