Every rule here links to its FAA or federal source. Not legal advice.
US drone rules come from the FAA, and which ones apply depends on why you’re flying. This plain-English summary covers both sets, recreational and Part 107, plus the requirements that apply to almost everyone.
Rules that apply to nearly every drone pilot
- Register any drone of 250 g (0.55 lb) or more, and every drone flown under Part 107 (FAA).
- Remote ID is required for drones that are registered or must be (FAA).
- Visual line of sight: you (or a visual observer next to you) must be able to see the drone.
- Stay low: generally 400 feet above ground or lower.
- Airspace authorization: controlled airspace near airports requires FAA approval first, usually through LAANC (FAA).
- Give way to crewed aircraft, and never interfere with emergency response.
Recreational rules (flying for fun)
Under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (49 U.S.C. 44809), the FAA lists these requirements (source):
- Fly only for recreational purposes.
- Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization (CBO).
- Keep the drone within visual line of sight, or use a co-located visual observer in direct contact with you.
- Give way to, and don’t interfere with, other aircraft.
- In controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and surface Class E), fly only with prior authorization via LAANC or DroneZone, at or below the authorized altitude.
- In uncontrolled Class G airspace, fly at or below 400 feet.
- Pass TRUST and carry proof.
- Have a current registration, mark the drone, and carry proof of registration.
- Don’t operate in a way that endangers the national airspace system.
Night flying for fun is allowed if you follow your CBO’s night procedures, including lighting (FAA). See Flying a Drone at Night.
Part 107 rules (flying for work)
Part 107 pilots need a Remote Pilot Certificate and must follow 14 CFR Part 107, including:
- Altitude: 400 feet above ground or less, or within 400 feet of a structure and no more than 400 feet above its top.
- Groundspeed: 100 mph (87 knots) maximum.
- Weather minimums: 3 statute miles visibility, at least 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.
- Night flights: anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles.
- Flights over people and moving vehicles only under the rule’s specific conditions.
- Free recurrent training every 24 calendar months.
Many of these can be waived with FAA approval. Full guide: Part 107 hub.
Places that need extra care
- Near airports: check the airspace class and get authorization if required.
- Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs): these pop up for events, VIP movements, wildfires, and disasters. Always check before every flight.
- Restricted and prohibited areas such as the Washington, D.C. Special Flight Rules Area.
- National parks: the National Park Service generally prohibits launching or landing drones in parks.
- State and local rules: they can restrict where you take off and land, and privacy laws still apply.
An FAA-approved B4UFLY app shows most of these on a map with a clear fly / don’t-fly status.
Is anything changing?
The FAA’s proposed rule for routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights (Part 108) was published in August 2025 but, as of late October 2026, hadn’t been finalized. For beginners, today’s rules are the ones above.
