Does the FAA have a track record of doing the same? You have to consider that most people flying these will be enthusiasts doing it for a hobby and they might n

Does the FAA have a track record of doing the same? You have to consider that most people flying these will be enthusiasts doing it for a hobby and they might not be aware of all the regulations or have the resources to handle such a charge. Having huge default punishments like this has a potential for abuse: Say you record bad cop activity and they find you didn't register, bam they have huge leverage on you. This works out disproportionately for the FAA rather than the average joe who might be bothered by creeps or people being reckless. The only way I can see the FAA try to offset this is if they dutifully educate people about the registration requirement. Even then I still don't see a reason for such a harsh punishment.