Drone Laws: Your Guide to Staying Compliant in the U.S.
Introduction
Understanding drone laws in the United States is a must for both FAA-certified pilots and recreational flyers. Whether you’re flying for fun or running a drone business, staying informed about federal, state, and local regulations helps you operate safely, steer clear of fines, and stay on the right side of the law.
This page provides a detailed look at FAA federal drone laws, along with helpful resources to track down the most up-to-date state, city, and county regulations. Let’s get started!
Federal Drone Laws
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees airspace regulations throughout the United States. To help you stay compliant, here’s a summary of the essential federal rules every drone pilot should be familiar with.
Part 107: Commercial Drone Operations
Pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test to earn your Remote Pilot Certificate.
Operate drones within visual line-of-sight (VLOS) at all times.
Fly below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G).
Adhere to airspace restrictions and obtain authorization for controlled airspace.
Recreational Drone Use
Fly under 400 feet and remain within Class G airspace.
Always keep your drone in sight while flying.
Complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
Register drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds with the FAA.
Drone Registration
Register drones weighing over 0.55 pounds (250g) via the FAA’s DroneZone portal.
The registration fee is $5 and is valid for three years.
Remote ID
As of 2023, drones must comply with the Remote ID rule. This requires drones to broadcast identification and location information during flight. Older drones can be retrofitted with a Remote ID module.
Night Operations
Complete night operations training as part of your FAA certification.
Equip drones with anti-collision lights visible for at least 3 miles.
Restricted Areas
Drone pilots are prohibited from flying in:
Prohibited airspace, such as military installations.
Areas near critical infrastructure like power plants and prisons.
Within 5 miles of airports without airspace authorization.
Why Compliance with Local Drone Laws Matters
Although the FAA oversees national airspace, state, city, and county governments can impose additional rules focusing on:
Privacy protections.
Law enforcement drone usage.
Park and recreation area restrictions.
For example:
Some cities prohibit drone flights in public parks.
California regulates drones for filming to protect privacy.
Failing to comply with local laws can lead to fines, confiscation of equipment, or legal action. Always research your flying area before takeoff.
Where to Find State, City, and County Drone Laws
Trusted Resources for Drone Pilots:
B4UFLY App by FAA: Provides real-time airspace information and alerts pilots to restricted areas.
FAA’s DroneZone: Register your drone, apply for airspace authorizations, and more.
Local Government Websites: Check municipal and county sites for ordinances on drones.
State-by-State Drone Laws
Click on a state below to view its official drone laws and resources:
Please note this list changes frequently as government entities update and change their websites. If you find you’re directed to the wrong drone laws state page, please contact us and we’ll update ASAP
