Drone sightings continue to spread across the East Coast, leaving residents and officials puzzled as to their origin and purpose.

The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defense released a statement saying in part, “The sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones.”

As of Dec. 2, more than 790,000 commercial and recreational drones have been registered nationwide, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Federal drone laws are governed by the FAA.

Recreational drone pilots are required to pass the FAA’s free Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of completion. Additionally, drones weighing more than half a pound must be registered with the FAA. Key regulations include flying below 400 feet, avoiding controlled airspace such as near airports, and steering clear of emergency response efforts.

For commercial drone operations, pilots must pass the FAA’s Part 107 knowledge test to become certified remote pilots and register their drones with the FAA. Both recreational and commercial pilots are advised to avoid flying near airports, military installations, and other restricted airspaces, refrain from reckless operations, and respect privacy when flying near residential or public areas.

States also have their own drone regulations. In New Jersey, where many of the recent sightings have occurred, state laws prohibit flying drones under the influence, invading privacy, or harassing wildlife. Operating drones in state parks without approval is banned, and some towns have stricter rules, such as prohibiting flights over public schools or private property without permission.

These New Jersey laws were enacted in 2017, well before the current wave of drone sightings. The FAA issued the first commercial drone permits in 2006, indicating that drones are not a new phenomenon.

Have a news tip? Contact Emma Withrow at ewithrow@sbgtv.com or at x.com/emma_withrow.