Just recently the Federal Aviation Administration of America released a news series of regulations for small unmanned aircraft. This regulation details requirements for all unmanned aircraft - RC planes, RC helicopters and RC drones.

Here is a summary of the requirements and non-compliance penalties.

Any unmanned aircraft system (UAS) between 250 grams to 55 lbs must register. (over 55lbs is a different catagory)
$5 USD registration fee, currently under rebate (free) till Jan 20th.
Owners must carry registration info (printed card or paper in wallet, etc) and reg. number on aircraft.
Failure to register unmanned aircraft: up to $27,000 fine.
Criminal penalties up to $250,000 fine and/or imprisonment of up to three years.

It is left to local law enforcement to monitor or enforce the new law unless some major event warrants the direct attention of the FAA, FBI.

A complete list of all regulations can be found here. https://www.federalregister.gov/art...-requirements-for-small-unmanned-aircraft#h-8