Alabama's 400-foot drone limit around ticketed concerts and games starts October 1. FAA-compliant pilots are exempt.

The exemptions decide who the law actually reaches. It does not apply to an operator with consent from someone who has legal authority over the event. It also does not apply to an operator authorized by federal regulations to fly a drone who is flying lawfully and consistent with those regulations. Other exemptions cover employees of the venue or of a utility on official business, and state agency, police, fire, and emergency management staff or volunteers on official business. A property owner may fly their own drone over their own land if the flight follows federal rules and is not commercial, a message, commercial broadcasting or publication, monitoring, or interference with the event. Middle and high school sports events are excluded entirely.

Federal law already covers the largest venues. The FAA says drones may not fly at or below 3,000 feet above ground within 3 nautical miles of a stadium seating 30,000 or more. That applies during Major League Baseball games, regular or postseason NFL games, NCAA Division I football, and major motor speedway events, from one hour before the scheduled start until one hour after the event ends. Alabama's rule adds smaller venues, such as concerts, arenas, and minor league or college games under that threshold. It also adds a state penalty that a local officer can write.