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Drone Authority
Aerial landscape representing Utah drone airspaceSTATE · UTAH

Drone laws by state

Utah drone laws

Federal FAA rules apply across Utah. Utah has a developed drone framework addressing law-enforcement use, flights over wildfires and critical infrastructure, and the relationship between state and local authority.

All statesPartial state preemption

The federal rules apply everywhere

No matter the state, the FAA owns the airspace. Start here, then add Utah's rules on top.

  • Register drones 250 g or heavier (and any commercial drone) at FAADroneZone.
  • Broadcast Remote ID if your drone must be registered.
  • Stay at or below 400 ft AGL and within visual line of sight.
  • Get LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace near airports.
  • No takeoff/landing in national parks, over critical infrastructure, or in TFRs.

What's specific to Utah

  • Utah prohibits flying drones over or near wildfires and restricts flights over critical infrastructure and correctional facilities.

  • Utah has addressed law-enforcement drone use and the balance of state and local authority; verify the current posture.

  • State-park and state-land drone rules vary by unit and can change; many state park systems restrict drone takeoff/landing without a permit. Verify with the managing agency before flying.

Local preemption: Partial state preemption

The state preempts some local regulation but leaves room for local rules in specific areas (e.g., nuisance, privacy, or certain operators).

Official source

Always confirm against the primary source; state laws change and rules differ by locality and by park.

Utah drone-law source

Not sure if you need a license?

License rules are federal and the same in every state. Answer two questions to find out what you need.

Check what you need →

Rules current as of June 2026; verify with the FAA (faa.gov/uas) and your state before flying. Educational, not legal advice.