Welcome to our comprehensive guide to drone laws in Utah!This guide covers everything you need to know about drone laws in Utah, from federal FAA regulations to state-specific statutes and local ordinances.

As a drone pilot in Utah, you are subject to both federal and state laws. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a set of nationwide rules for all drone operators, while the state of Utah has enacted its own legislation that further governs the use of unmanned aircraft.

Federal Drone Laws That Apply in Utah

Recreational Drone Pilots

If you are flying your drone for fun, you are considered a recreational pilot. The FAA requires that you take and pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). This is a free online test that provides you with important safety information. Once you pass the test, you will receive a certificate that you must be able to provide to law enforcement or FAA personnel upon request.

In addition to passing the TRUST, recreational pilots must:

In addition to passing the TRUST, recreational pilots must register any drone weighing over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) with the FAA. When flying, you must keep your drone within your visual line of sight, give way to manned aircraft, and fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G). If you want to fly in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E), you must obtain authorization through LAANC or DroneZone. Finally, you must comply with all FAA flight restrictions, including those around airports, stadiums, and other sensitive locations.

Commercial Drone Pilots

If you are flying your drone for any business-related purpose, you are considered a commercial pilot and must operate under the FAA’s Part 107 rules. This includes activities such as real estate photography, inspections, and agricultural surveying. To become a certified commercial drone pilot, you must:

To become a certified commercial drone pilot, you must be at least 16 years old, pass the FAA’s Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test, and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. You must also register your drone with the FAA.

Part 107 pilots have more flexibility than recreational flyers, but they are also subject to a more stringent set of regulations. These include restrictions on flying over people, at night, and in certain airspace without a waiver from the FAA.

Remote ID

As of September 16, 2023, all registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information. This technology allows the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies to identify drones in flight. Most new drones are manufactured with Remote ID built-in, but older models may need to be retrofitted with a separate broadcast module.

Utah-Specific Drone Laws

In addition to federal regulations, the state of Utah has its own laws that govern the use of drones. These laws are primarily found in the Utah Code, Title 72, Chapter 10, Part 7. It’s important to be aware of these state-specific rules to ensure you are flying legally.

One of the most significant aspects of Utah’s drone legislation is the preemption of local ordinances. Under Utah Code 72-10-701, political subdivisions such as cities and counties are generally prohibited from enacting their own laws or rules governing the private use of drones. This means that drone regulations are largely consistent across the state, with the state law taking precedence over any local attempts to regulate drone use. However, there is an exception for airport operators, who are permitted to enact rules governing drone operations within the airport’s boundaries.

It is also worth noting that under Utah Code 72-10-702, the state’s drone laws do not apply to individuals or businesses using drones for legitimate educational or business purposes, as long as they are operating in a manner consistent with FAA regulations. This provision ensures that commercial and educational drone use is not unduly burdened by state-level regulations, as long as federal rules are being followed.

Looking to the future, the state of Utah is also preparing for the growth of advanced air mobility. Utah Code 72-10-703 directs the Utah Department of Transportation to develop a toolkit for local governments to address advanced air mobility, which will include model ordinances and best practices. This toolkit is expected to be publicly available by July 1, 2026, and will help guide the development of policies for emerging aviation technologies.

Local and City Regulations

As mentioned previously, Utah has a state preemption law that limits the ability of local governments to create their own drone ordinances. This means that for the most part, you will only need to be concerned with federal and state laws when flying your drone in Utah. However, it is always a good practice to check for any local advisories or restrictions, especially when flying near sensitive locations such as airports or critical infrastructure.

While cities and counties cannot create their own drone laws, they can still regulate the use of their own property. For example, a city may have a policy that prohibits the use of drones in city parks. It is always best to check with the local parks and recreation department before flying in a local park.

Where You Can and Can’t Fly in Utah

Knowing where you can and cannot fly your drone is one of the most important aspects of being a responsible pilot. In addition to the FAA’s nationwide flight restrictions, there are some specific locations in Utah where drone use is limited or prohibited.

Utah State Parks

Drone use in Utah’s state parks is regulated by the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation. According to the Utah Administrative Code, all drone use in state parks requires a Special Use Permit. The rules can vary from park to park, so You should check the specific regulations for the park you plan to visit. Here are a few examples:

For example, at Antelope Island State Park, drones are prohibited from March to November. At Dead Horse Point State Park, drones are prohibited from March through October, but are allowed with a permit from November 1st to the last day of February. In Goblin Valley State Park, drone permits are required for all non-fee areas, and flying over occupied dispersed campsites is not allowed. Wasatch Mountain State Park allows drones with a permit.

Before flying in any Utah state park, be sure to visit the park’s official website or contact the park office to obtain the necessary permits and to get the most up-to-date information on their drone policy.

Other Restricted Areas

In addition to state parks, there are other areas where drone use is restricted:

In addition to state parks, drone use is restricted in other areas as well. Drones are banned in all National Parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. Flying a drone in a designated wilderness area is also generally not allowed. You must have authorization to fly within five miles of an airport, and you should not fly your drone over military installations or other sensitive locations. Finally, the FAA prohibits drone flights over stadiums and sporting events.

Penalties and Enforcement

Flying a drone in violation of federal, state, or local laws can result in significant penalties. Both the FAA and the state of Utah have the authority to enforce drone regulations and to issue fines and other penalties to violators.

The FAA has a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized or unsafe drone operations. The agency can issue fines ranging from $1,771 to $36,770 per violation for non-compliant drone operations. In addition to civil penalties, the FAA can also pursue criminal charges against individuals who endanger the national airspace.

At the state level, Utah law enforcement agencies have the authority to enforce the state’s drone laws. While the state law does not specify particular fines for violations, you could still face penalties under other applicable laws. For example, if you use a drone to harass someone, you could be charged with stalking or another related offense.

Tips for Staying Compliant

With so many rules and regulations to keep in mind, it can be challenging to stay on top of everything. Here are a few tips to help you stay compliant and fly your drone safely and legally in Utah:

To help you stay compliant, we’ve compiled a few tips. Before every flight, use the FAA’s B4UFLY app to check for any airspace restrictions or advisories in your area. If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds, make sure it is registered with the FAA and that the registration number is clearly marked on the outside of the aircraft. If you are flying for recreational purposes, make sure you have your TRUST certificate with you. If you are flying for commercial purposes, you must have your Remote Pilot Certificate. Remember to respect privacy by not flying your drone over private property without permission and being mindful of people’s privacy. While Utah has a state preemption law, it is still a good idea to check for any local advisories or restrictions, especially when flying in parks or near other sensitive locations. Finally, always keep your drone within your visual line of sight to avoid collisions and maintain awareness of your drone’s location.

Helpful Resources

• FAA DroneZone
• B4UFLY App
• Utah State Legislature
• Utah State Parks
• Drone Launch Academy Part 107 Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fly a drone in Utah?

Yes, you can fly a drone in Utah, as long as you follow all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This includes registering your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds, passing the TRUST if you are a recreational pilot, and obtaining a Part 107 certificate if you are a commercial pilot.

What are the FAA drone laws in Utah?

Can I fly a drone in Salt Lake City?

Yes, you can fly a drone in Salt Lake City, but you must follow all FAA and state regulations. While the state’s preemption law prevents Salt Lake City from creating its own drone ordinances, the city can still regulate the use of its own property. For example, there may be restrictions on flying drones in city parks. It is always a good idea to check with the Salt Lake City Parks and Public Lands division for any specific rules before flying in a city park.

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Disclaimer: Drone laws are constantly evolving. While we strive to keep this guide updated, you should always verify local ordinances and check the FAA B4UFLY app before flying. This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Sources: FAA UAS | NCSL State Drone Law Landscape | FAA Remote ID | FAA Part 107