The Heavy Cost of Light Accessories: Why Your DJI Mini Might Now Be Illegal

If you own a DJI Mini, Neo, or any “sub-250g” drone, you likely bought it for one main reason: simplicity. For years, the magic number of 249 grams was the golden ticket to hassle-free flying—no exams, fewer restrictions, and the freedom to fly over people.

But as of January 1, 2026, the rules have shifted beneath our feet. A combination of new weight thresholds, mandatory equipment, and the “Payload Trap” has created a regulatory minefield that is catching thousands of hobbyists off guard.

Here is why your legal “fly-anywhere” drone might inadvertently be breaking the law the moment you take off.

1. The “Sub-250g” Exemption is Dead (Mostly)

The biggest shock for many pilots this week is discovering that the “no registration needed” era is effectively over.

The Old Rule: You only needed a Flyer ID (passed the theory test) if your drone weighed 250g or more.

The New Rule (Jan 1, 2026): You must have a Flyer ID if your drone weighs 100g or more.

What this means:

• DJI Mini 3/4 Pro (approx. 249g): You now need a Flyer ID.
• DJI Neo (~135g): You now need a Flyer ID.
• HoverAir X1 (~125g): You now need a Flyer ID.

If you are flying a DJI Mini today without having passed the CAA’s online theory test, you are flying illegally, regardless of whether you have a camera or not.

2. The Payload Trap: When 249g Becomes 251g

This is where the confusion turns into a legal headache. Many pilots love accessorizing their Minis with strobes, propeller guards, landing gear extensions, or ND filters.

However, the laws differ sharply depending on whether your drone is a “Legacy” model or a newer “Class Marked” model.

Scenario A: The “Legacy” Drone (e.g., DJI Mini 2, Mini SE)

These drones have no class marking (C0/C1).

• Under 250g: You can fly in the A1 Subcategory (Over people, but not crowds).
• Over 250g: If you add a strobe light that pushes the weight to 252g, your drone is no longer a “sub-250g legacy drone.” It instantly becomes a “sub-25kg legacy drone.”
• The Consequence: You are kicked out of the A1 category. You must now fly in the A3 Subcategory (Far from people: 150m away from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas).

The Trap: You added a safety light to be safer, but that light legally banished you to the middle of a field, far away from the park you intended to film.

Scenario B: The “Class Marked” Drone (e.g., DJI Mini 4 Pro – C0)

This is trickier. The C0 (or UK0) class marking is strictly defined as a drone with a Maximum Take-Off Mass (MTOM) of less than 250g.

• The Issue: If you add a payload that pushes a C0 drone over 250g, you are technically operating the aircraft outside of its class certification.
• The Consequence: The CAA guidance suggests that if a C0 drone exceeds 250g, it is no longer compliant with C0 standards. It does not automatically “graduate” to C1. It effectively enters a regulatory grey zone or becomes a “legacy” drone >250g (A3 category), but some interpretations suggest the flight itself is a violation of the aircraft’s certification.

Extended Batteries: If you use the “Intelligent Flight Battery Plus” in a DJI Mini 3 or 4, your weight jumps to ~290g. In the UK, this explicitly removes your right to fly in the A1 (Over People) category.

3. The Night Flying Paradox

As of January 1, 2026, a green flashing light is mandatory for all night operations.

Here is the paradox:

1. The Law: You must attach a strobe/light to fly at night.
2. The Physics: The strobe adds weight (approx. 6-15g).
3. The Result: If your DJI Mini 4 Pro is 248g out of the box, adding the mandatory light pushes it to ~255g.
4. The Outcome: You are now legally required to fly in the A3 category (far from people) just because you tried to comply with the night flying safety rule. You cannot fly over your local town at night with a Mini + Strobe if that strobe tips the scale over 250g.

4. Summary of Categories (2026 Rules)

*Note: You can fly a >250g drone in the A2 (Near People) category if you pass the A2 CofC exam, but “Legacy” drones generally require 50m separation distance, unlike the 30m/5m allowed for C2 class drones.

What You Should Do Now

1. Get Your Flyer ID: If you haven’t yet, go to the CAA website. The “I’m under 250g” excuse for skipping the test is gone.
2. Weigh Your Rig: Put your drone on a kitchen scale with your ND filters, strobes, and prop guards attached.
3. Know Your Zone:
   • If you are 249g or less: Enjoy A1 (flying over people allowed).
   • If you are 250g or more: Do not fly over people. Move to open spaces (A3) or get your A2 CofC license to get closer (A2).

Disclaimer: Drone regulations are subject to change. Always check the official CAA Drone Code before flying.