Sheriff's commander warns of drone ban, urges safety during Monterey Car Week

Commander Andy Rosas of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office told the county briefing on Aug. 5 that law enforcement is preparing for a spike in visitors during Monterey Car Week and emphasized basic safety measures for drivers and pedestrians.

Rosas said drivers should "stay off your cell phone and focus your eyes on the road" and cautioned that visitors from other countries may be unfamiliar with local driving patterns. He also highlighted a federal temporary flight restriction covering the major Car Week events and said enforcement will be active: "What we are telling the public is that if you launch a drone, a recreational drone, you will be contacted by federal agents and our partners, and you are looking at a federal crime, a federal violation." The county says the restriction will apply on main event days (Aug. 14–16) within a roughly two-mile radius of the Quail at Quail Lodge, the Rolex event at Laguna Seca and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, generally enforced between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Rosas asked the public to report suspicious activity to 911 and reminded visitors to secure valuables after noting repeated theft reports during past events. "If something doesn't look right or it looks unsafe, please call 911 immediately to report that," he said. The Sheriff's Office said it is coordinating with local, state and federal partners to detect and respond to unlawful drone operations and to support public-safety deployments across the county.