In January 2026 the FAA issued a nationwide temporary flight restriction that extended traditional drone no‑fly zones to any Department of Homeland Security vehicle, even unmarked ones in motion. The notice created a 3,000‑foot lateral and 1,000‑foot vertical buffer around federal cars, effectively grounding hobbyists and journalists alike. Rob Levine, a veteran Minneapolis drone photographer, halted his flights days after the alert.

The FAA admitted the wording was “ambiguous,” leaving pilots unsure whether a flight might inadvertently violate rule. Drone Service Providers Alliance warned the restriction presented a compliance problem because apps like Air Control cannot flag moving, unmarked vehicles. Notice listed as NOTAM FDC 6/4375 was slated to remain in effect until October 2027, longer than typical restrictions.

After failing to find private counsel, Levine turned to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which filed Levine v. FAA in the D.C. Circuit on March 16, just before the 60‑day petition deadline. A motion filed April 10 seeks suspension of the restriction while the court reviews the case. The dispute shows how airspace rules can clash with First‑Amendment newsgathering, forcing operators to weigh legal risk against duty.