Utah drone laws

• 01

  Utah Code § 72-10-701 preempts political subdivisions from enacting or enforcing independent UAS laws, with exceptions for authority granted by the chapter and airport-operator rules within airport boundaries, including takeoff and landing.2

• 02

  Utah Code § 72-10-1002 requires visual line of sight, applicable controlled-airspace authorization, NOTAM compliance, and a normal ceiling of 400 feet above ground with a listed structure exception. It also restricts operation from the surface of critical infrastructure without prior authorization.3

• 03

  Utah Code § 72-10-903, amended in 2026: using a drone to carry or drop an item into, or remove an item from, a correctional facility is a third degree felony, and flying in a way that interferes with its operations or security is a class B misdemeanor. Utah Code § 72-10-902 makes flying a drone that carries or has a weapon attached a class B misdemeanor unless the FAA has approved it in writing, a state or federal contract permits it, or the flight is in Department of Defense airspace with permission.1

• 04

  Beginning January 1, 2025, a qualifying commercial UAS operation that requires federal certification also requires a current Utah Department of Transportation certificate of registration.4

• 05

  Utah law prohibits flying in a wildfire TFR or a designated wildfire scene without the incident commander's permission.9

• 06

  State-park access is unit-specific. Goblin Valley requires a $15 daily permit year-round, bars drones on weekends and holidays from March through October, and allows flights only over Valley 1 from the Observation Point platform. Antelope Island prohibits drones March through November and allows them by permit December through February.67

• 07

  Utah wildlife rules prohibit using a drone to take, harass, or drive protected wildlife and prohibit using a drone to locate or attempt to observe protected wildlife from July 31 through January 31.8

• 08

  Utah's law-enforcement UAS statute sets warrant and exception rules and limits use and retention of collected data.5

Launch-day workflow

Before you fly in Utah

Work through these state-specific checks before the usual FAA airspace, weather, aircraft, and crew review.

1. 01

   Confirm Utah commercial registration

   If the commercial operation requires federal certification, verify that the aircraft also has the current Utah Department of Transportation certificate of registration required by § 72-10-109.4

2. 02

   Check authorization, NOTAMs, and critical infrastructure

   Confirm controlled-airspace authorization, visual line of sight, the 400-foot framework, current NOTAMs, and permission before operating from the surface of critical infrastructure.3

3. 03

   Clear wildfire activity

   Check active TFRs and local wildfire operations. Do not enter a wildfire TFR or designated wildfire scene without incident-command permission.9

4. 04

   Get the exact park permit

   Do not assume one Utah State Park permit works everywhere. Apply through the exact unit and follow its season, time, location, people, campground, and wildlife restrictions.67

5. 05

   Apply the wildlife season

   Do not use a drone to take, drive, or harass protected wildlife. From July 31 through January 31, do not use one to locate or attempt to observe protected wildlife.8

Beyond the airspace layer

Land access and wildlife are separate decisions