The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore introduces new rules allowing owners of multiple unmanned aircraft to share a single digital licence plate.
Starting in December 2025, owners of multiple unmanned aircraft (UA) in Singapore will be able to use a single digital licence plate, eliminating the need for a separate plate for each aircraft. The new regulation, announced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), applies to unmanned aircraft weighing over 250 grams.
Changes to Digital Licence Plate Regulations
The digital licence plate, known as Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID), transmits key information about the aircraft’s location and the operator’s details. With this new regulation, owners will be able to transfer the B-RID across multiple aircraft, making it easier for those with several drones to comply with the requirements. This decision follows a public consultation that received 236 responses.
The B-RID requirement mandates that all unmanned aircraft above 250g must either have a built-in B-RID module or a separate module attached to the device. The requirement will be enforced from December 1, 2025, with an exception for UAs that operate indoors or in controlled environments.
Safety Concerns and Exemptions
While some respondents to the consultation requested exemptions for certain users, CAAS rejected these, stressing the importance of B-RID for public and aviation safety. The authority did indicate it might consider waivers in cases where it is not feasible to install B-RID due to the size or design of the aircraft.
The weight threshold for B-RID remains set at 250g, as CAAS highlighted that drones heavier than this can cause serious harm if they crash onto people.
Costs and Concerns
Drone enthusiasts, like those in the Universal Drones Singapore Facebook group, welcomed the flexibility of the transferable B-RID but expressed concerns about the costs involved, particularly for drones that lack built-in B-RID. Some suggested that CAAS could provide a warranty or offer user-replaceable batteries to ease the financial burden.
Despite these concerns, the CAAS remains focused on enhancing drone safety and security, with the goal of preventing accidents and ensuring better monitoring of unmanned aircraft in Singapore.
