ARTBA Seeks Clarity on Drones

What happened: ARTBA chapter representatives and staff met with the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Jan. 30 to discuss new limitations on using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, in transportation construction.

In December 2025, the American Security Drone Act took effect restricting use of Chinese-made drones on federal-aid projects. During the White House meeting, Skip Powe of the Alabama Road Builders Association and Whitney Williams of Carolinas AGC expressed support for the rule’s national security objectives, while highlighting the need for additional implementation guidance for transportation construction uses.

Why it matters: Transportation construction crews increasingly rely on drone technology for surveying, inspection, and safety. Without additional guidance, members warned that drone project operations could be disrupted or halted while contractors assess compliance or attempt to procure domestically sourced equipment.

What’s next: ARTBA requested a 180-day implementation extension; a clear list of approved UAS products; and additional agency guidance to support compliance. The association has also addressed this topic with Federal Highway Administration officials and will continue engaging with the agencies and sharing updates with members as they become available. For more information, contact Prianka Sharma.