Taiwan Drone Regulations and Cycling Photography: A Legal Guide to Aerial Riding Footage

Introduction: Know the Law Before You Fly

Drones have completely transformed what’s possible in cycling photography. Sweeping shots of switchback mountain roads from above, tracking a paceline along the coast, orbiting a summit to capture the surrounding scenery — footage that once required a professional aerial film crew can now be captured with a single consumer drone.

But in Taiwan, drone use is subject to strict regulation. This article applies specifically to Taiwan (Republic of China) law — rules in other countries differ significantly, so do not assume anything here transfers elsewhere. Flying without understanding the rules can result in steep fines or even criminal liability. This article provides a complete breakdown of Taiwan’s drone regulations and a practical guide for cyclists who want to shoot aerial footage legally.

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1. Taiwan’s Drone Regulatory Framework

Governing Authority

Drones (“remote-controlled unmanned aircraft,” UA) in Taiwan fall under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The legal basis is Chapter IX-2, “Remote-Controlled Unmanned Aircraft,” of the Civil Aviation Act, which took effect on March 31, 2020.

Basic Definitions

• Remote-controlled unmanned aircraft (UA): An aircraft that is unmanned and either remotely piloted or flies autonomously.
• Covered types: Unmanned fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned helicopters, and unmanned multirotor aircraft (i.e., the common consumer “drone”).
• Weight tiers: Regulation is tiered by maximum takeoff weight.

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2. Registration and Certification Requirements

Rules by Weight Tier

Weight Class	Registration	Operator Certificate	Representative Models
Under 250 g	Not required	Not required	DJI Mini series
250 g – 2 kg	Required	Written (theory) certificate required	DJI Air, Mavic series
2 kg – 15 kg	Required	Written + practical certificate required	DJI Inspire series
Over 15 kg	Required	Professional certificate required	Professional aerial cinematography rigs

Registration Process

1. Create an online account: Visit the CAA’s “Unmanned Aircraft Management Information System” (drone.caa.gov.tw).
2. Enter personal information: National ID number and contact details.
3. Register the drone: Provide model, serial number, and maximum takeoff weight.
4. Receive a registration number: This must be clearly marked on the aircraft body.
5. Cost: Free.

Getting Certified

Written (theory) certificate (250 g – 2 kg):

• An online exam of 40 multiple-choice questions; a score of 80% or higher is required to pass.
• Covers regulations, weather, flight principles, and emergency handling.
• The exam is free; an electronic certificate is issued online immediately upon passing.
• Valid for 2 years, renewable online before expiry.

Practical certificate (over 2 kg):

• Requires passing the written exam first, then a practical test at a designated testing site.
• Practical test items include takeoff/landing, hovering, figure-eight flight, and emergency maneuvers.
• Fees vary by testing site.

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3. Airspace Restrictions

No-Fly Zones (absolutely prohibited)

Drone operation is never permitted in the following areas, under any circumstances:

1. Airport restricted zones: Within 2.6 km of either side of an airport runway centerline, and within 5 km beyond each runway end.
2. Airspace above military installations: Military bases and fortifications designated by the Ministry of National Defense.
3. No-fly zones designated by municipal or county/city governments: Local governments may issue their own additional restrictions.

Restricted Zones (permit required)

1. Airport perimeter restricted areas: Zones surrounding no-fly zones that require CAA approval.
2. Central government agencies and nuclear power plants: Require approval from the managing authority.
3. National parks and national scenic areas: Require approval from the relevant management office.

Impact on Cycling Photography

Many of Taiwan’s classic cycling routes happen to sit within restricted airspace, so extra care is required:

Route	Airspace Status	Notes
Wuling / Hehuanshan	Taroko National Park	Permit required from Taroko National Park Headquarters
Yangmingshan	Yangmingshan National Park	Permit required from park headquarters; most of the area is no-fly
Sun Moon Lake loop	Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area	Permit required from the management office
North Coast	Partially within military-restricted zones	Confirm the specific location
Kenting	Kenting National Park	Permit required from Kenting National Park Headquarters
East Coast	Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley National Scenic Area	Permit required in some sections
Western Coastal Road	Some sections near airports	Confirm the airport’s no-fly zone boundary

How to Check Airspace Status

1. Official map: The CAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Management Information System provides an interactive airspace map.
2. App: Download the “DroneNet” app and enter your location to check airspace status.
3. Local government notices: County and city government websites publish local no-fly zone announcements.

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4. General Operating Rules

Rules that apply to every drone, regardless of weight

1. Altitude limit: Maximum of 120 meters (about 400 feet).
2. Visual line of sight required: The operator must be able to see the drone directly (flying purely on an FPV screen is not permitted).
3. Daytime only: Flights are restricted to daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).
4. No flying over crowds: This includes gatherings, parades, and outdoor sporting events.
5. No dropping or spraying objects: Unless special permission has been granted.
6. No carrying hazardous materials.
7. No operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
8. No interference with manned aircraft.

Practical Implications for Cycling Photography

• You cannot fly over an ongoing cycling race: A race counts as an “outdoor sporting event” under the rules.
• You cannot fly over crowded riverside bike paths: Weekend riverside paths are typically packed with riders and pedestrians.
• A dedicated operator is required: You cannot pilot a drone while riding a bike yourself.
• The 120-meter altitude cap limits certain shots: Sweeping high-altitude mountain vistas may not be achievable within the legal limit.

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5. Applying for a Special Flight Permit

When a Permit Is Needed

You must apply for approval from the CAA or the relevant local authority in the following cases:

• Flying within a national park or national scenic area.
• Flying at night.
• Flying above 120 meters.
• Operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
• Flying over crowds.

Application Process

1. Prepare your operator certificate, drone registration proof, and flight plan.
2. Submit the application online through the CAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Management System.
3. Review typically takes about 5–15 business days.
4. Once approved, fly strictly within the conditions of the approval.

Practical Experience: National Park Applications

Using Taroko National Park (Hehuanshan / Wuling) as an example:

• You must complete the “Taroko National Park Drone Flight Application Form.”
• State the purpose, time, location, and equipment model.
• Commercial shoots are generally easier to get approved (proof of company registration is usually required).
• Approval rates for personal/recreational shoots tend to be lower.
• Once approved, a specific flight window is assigned, timed to avoid visitor peak hours.

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6. Penalties

Violations and Fines

Violation	Fine
Flying without registration	NT$30,000–150,000
Flying without an operator certificate	NT$30,000–150,000
Flying in a no-fly zone	NT$300,000–1,500,000
Flying in a restricted zone without a permit	NT$60,000–300,000
Violating operating rules (e.g., exceeding altitude limit, night flying)	NT$30,000–150,000
Interfering with manned aircraft	NT$300,000–1,500,000, plus possible criminal liability

Real-World Enforcement

Drone enforcement in Taiwan has grown noticeably stricter in recent years. At popular tourist spots and national parks, patrol staff or members of the public frequently report violations. Since 2023, there have been numerous documented cases of fines for flying in no-fly zones.

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7. The Advantage of Sub-250g Drones

Why the DJI Mini Series Is So Popular

The DJI Mini series (Mini 4 Pro, Mini 3 Pro, etc.) is deliberately designed to weigh 249 g including the battery — just under the 250 g threshold — which qualifies it for the most relaxed regulatory tier:

• No registration required
• No operator certificate required
• Airspace restrictions and general operating rules still apply

What This Means for Cycling Photography

A 249 g drone means:

• It’s light and portable enough to fit in a jersey pocket or saddle bag.
• No advance registration or certification paperwork is needed.
• You can stop, launch, film, pack up, and keep riding whenever you like.
• Image quality already reaches 4K HDR — more than enough for social media.

Important Caveats

Even though sub-250g drones are exempt from registration and certification, they must still comply with:

• No flying in no-fly zones.
• No flying over crowds.
• The 120-meter altitude limit.
• Maintaining visual line of sight.
• Daytime-only operation.

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8. Practical Tips for Aerial Cycling Footage

Safety First

• Always fly with a partner: One person flies the drone while another rides. Never attempt to pilot a drone while cycling yourself.
• Choose low-traffic times: Early morning is ideal — fewer riders on the road, better light, and calmer wind.
• Watch your battery: Standard flight time is about 25–35 minutes; keep at least 30% charge in reserve for the return flight.

Classic Camera Moves

1. Follow: The drone tracks behind the rider at a constant distance — the most basic and most useful shot.
2. Parallel track: The drone moves alongside the rider, emphasizing a sense of speed.
3. Top-down: Shooting straight down highlights the contrast between the winding road and the small figure of the rider.
4. Orbit: The drone circles around the rider as the center point — ideal for a static shot at a mountain summit.
5. Dronie (reveal shot): Starting close, the drone pulls back and rises simultaneously, gradually revealing the surrounding landscape.
6. Flythrough: A fast, low-altitude pass through trees or a valley — this requires advanced piloting skill.

Recommended Shooting Settings

• Resolution: 4K 30fps (standard) or 4K 60fps (for slow motion).
• Color profile: D-Cinelike or D-Log for greater room in post-production.
• Auto-tracking: DJI’s ActiveTrack feature can automatically follow the rider.
• Shutter speed: Use an ND filter to bring shutter speed down to 1/60s (the standard “180-degree rule” at 30fps) for cinematic motion blur.

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9. Insurance and Liability

Third-Party Liability Insurance

Sub-250g drones are not legally required to carry insurance, but third-party liability coverage is strongly recommended:

• A drone crash can cause injury or property damage.
• Annual premiums run roughly NT$1,000–3,000.
• Most aerial photography insurance policies cover third-party bodily injury and property damage.

Privacy-Related Legal Risks

• Filming inside private residences may violate the Personal Data Protection Act.
• Flying low over other people’s private land can lead to disputes.
• Filming military installations may violate national security laws.
• As a rule of thumb, stick to filming over public roads and open spaces.

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10. Recommended Legal Aerial Filming Locations

Here are locations in Taiwan well-suited to legal aerial cycling photography (outside no-fly zones or with confirmed clearance to fly):

Location	Good For	Notes
Bulaobo Avenue, Chishang, Taitung	Straight roads with rice-paddy backdrops	Stay clear of the Luye Airport no-fly zone
Hualien Route 193	Mountain and coastal scenery, winding roads	Watch for the Hualien Airport no-fly zone
Nanhui Highway (Provincial Highway 9)	Coastline and tunnel clusters	Confirm no nearby military installations
Alishan Highway, Chiayi	Mountain sea-of-clouds views, tea plantations	Confirm the area isn’t under Forestry Bureau restricted management
Outskirts of Kenting, Pingtung	Tropical coastal scenery	Stay outside the national park boundary

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Conclusion

Drones have opened up an entirely new perspective on cycling photography, but that freedom comes with responsibility. Understanding and following the regulations not only protects your own and others’ safety, but also helps preserve a healthy flying environment for Taiwan’s drone community.

Capturing the beauty of Taiwan’s mountains and coastlines — and the passion of cycling — legally is ultimately the most worry-free way to shoot. Spending ten extra minutes checking the regulations before you fly can save you from a fine of up to NT$300,000, and no end of headaches.

Related Reading

• Cycling Photography Tips: How to Capture Beautiful Taiwan Landscapes While Riding
• Eye in the Sky: How Drone Photography Is Changing Cycling Race Coverage and Analysis
• A Complete Breakdown of Taiwan’s Bike Path Regulations: Your Legal Rights When Riding
• The Complete Guide to Cycling Photography: 10 Tips for Great Shots While Riding