Regulatory Overview

Regulatory Authority:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary agency responsible for regulating drone operations in the United States12.

Applicable Users:
End consumers—those flying drones for recreational or hobby purposes—must adhere to specific FAA rules3. Commercial or business use requires additional certification and follows different regulations.

Recreational Drone Use: Key Regulations

1. Basic Requirements

  • Registration:

    • Required for drones weighing 250g (0.55 lbs) or more4
    • Must be renewed every 3 years5
    • Registration number must be displayed on the drone6

  • Pilot Requirements:

    • Must be at least 13 years old7
    • Must pass the free TRUST exam (The Recreational UAS Safety Test)8
    • Must carry proof of test passage when flying9

2. Operational Limitations

  • Altitude Limits:

    • Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level10
    • Must not fly over people or moving vehicles11
    • Must not operate from a moving vehicle12

  • Visual Line of Sight:

    • Must maintain visual line of sight at all times13
    • No operation through binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices14

3. Airspace Restrictions

  • Controlled Airspace:

    • Must receive authorization before flying in controlled airspace15
    • Use the FAA’s B4UFLY app for airspace information16

  • Restricted Areas:

    • No flying near airports or heliports17
    • Maintain distance from emergency response activities18
    • Respect temporary flight restrictions (TFRs)19

4. Privacy and Safety

  • Respect Privacy:

    • Do not record or photograph people without consent20
    • Be aware of state and local privacy laws21

  • Safety Guidelines:

    • Do not fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol22
    • Avoid flying over groups of people23
    • Keep a safe distance from wildlife24

5. Night Operations

  • Requirements:
    • Must have anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles25
    • Must complete additional training26
    • Must file a flight plan with the FAA27

6. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Fines up to $1,437 per violation28
  • Potential criminal charges for serious violations29
  • Confiscation of equipment30

References

Last updated: June 2025
Always check for the most current regulations before flying

  1. FAA - Getting Started ↩︎

  2. 14 CFR Part 107 - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems ↩︎

  3. FAA - Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations ↩︎

  4. FAA - Drone Registration ↩︎

  5. FAA - Registration Renewal ↩︎

  6. FAA - Marking Requirements ↩︎

  7. FAA - Age Requirements ↩︎

  8. FAA - The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) ↩︎

  9. FAA - Carrying Proof of Test ↩︎

  10. FAA - Altitude Limits ↩︎

  11. FAA - Flying Over People ↩︎

  12. FAA - Operating from Moving Vehicles ↩︎

  13. FAA - Visual Line of Sight ↩︎

  14. FAA - Vision Enhancement Devices ↩︎

  15. FAA - Controlled Airspace ↩︎

  16. FAA - B4UFLY App ↩︎

  17. FAA - Airport Restrictions ↩︎

  18. FAA - Emergency Response ↩︎

  19. FAA - Temporary Flight Restrictions ↩︎

  20. FAA - Privacy Guidelines ↩︎

  21. FAA - State and Local Laws ↩︎

  22. FAA - Safety Guidelines ↩︎

  23. FAA - Flying Over People ↩︎

  24. FAA - Wildlife Guidelines ↩︎

  25. FAA - Night Operations ↩︎

  26. FAA - Night Flying Training ↩︎

  27. FAA - Flight Planning ↩︎

  28. FAA - Civil Penalties ↩︎

  29. FAA - Legal Enforcement ↩︎

  30. FAA - Equipment Confiscation ↩︎