California Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
California maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with targeted state-level laws addressing privacy, emergency response interference, and critical infrastructure protection. Local jurisdictions—including cities, counties, and special districts—have enacted a wide variety of park and event restrictions. Several pending bills in the 2025–2026 legislative session seek to expand restrictions around wildfire suppression, emergency response, ticketed events, and counter-UAS task forces, which could shift the overall posture toward more restrictive if enacted.
State Drone Laws
CA SB 807Immunity for First Responders Damaging UAS During Emergency Services
Provides immunity for first responders who damage or disable a UAS that was interfering with emergency response activities. Enacted as part of the 2015–2016 California legislative session.
CA AB 1680Interference with First Responders During Emergency
Makes it a misdemeanor to interfere with the activities of first responders during an emergency using a drone or any other means. Codified at California Penal Code Section 402.
CA AB 856Privacy Protection from Drone Surveillance of Private Activities
Amends California Civil Code Section 1708.8 to prohibit physically entering the airspace above another person's property to capture an image, video, or audio recording of that person engaged in a private, personal, or familial activity without consent. Enacted in response to use of drones to photograph celebrities and public figures. Provides civil cause of action.
CA AB 2655Prohibition on First Responders Taking Crime Scene Photos Without Valid Reason
Prohibits first responders from photographing or recording a crime or accident scene for any purpose other than an official law enforcement or emergency management purpose, including drone photography of such scenes. Adds Section 11163.5 to the Penal Code.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 4351Drone Prohibition in State Park Wilderness and Preserve Areas
Prohibits the launch, landing, or operation of model aircraft and UAS within California State Park wilderness areas, cultural preserves, and nature preserves. Individual state parks may adopt additional restrictions. State park rangers may cite violators.
CA AB 1FAA (PUC § 21662.5)Critical Infrastructure UAS Protection — Prohibition on UAS Over Power Infrastructure
California Public Utilities Code Section 21662.5 prohibits operating a UAS over or near electrical infrastructure, including power lines, substations, and generation facilities, without authorization from the facility owner. Enacted to protect against drone-related damage to utility infrastructure.
CA AB 1320 (PUC § 21662.7)UAS Prohibited Over Prisons and Jails
California Public Utilities Code Section 21662.7 prohibits operating a UAS over a state prison, county jail, or other correctional facility without authorization. Enacted to prevent contraband delivery and surveillance by drones.
CA SB 168 (PUC § 21663)UAS — Prohibition on Operation in Proximity to Wildfire
California Public Utilities Code Section 21663 prohibits operating a UAS within the geographic boundaries of a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) that has been established for a wildfire. Conviction is a misdemeanor. Authorizes law enforcement to confiscate drones operated in violation.
CA PO 925-19-32Orange Coast District Park UAS Prohibition
Prohibits launching, landing, or operating model aircraft or UAS within any park unit in the Orange Coast District, including Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington State Beach, Corona del Mar State Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, Doheny State Beach, San Clemente State Beach, and San Onofre State Beach.
CA Penal Code § 647(j)(1)Criminal Invasion of Privacy via Drone
California Penal Code Section 647(j)(1) prohibits using a drone or other device to look through the window or door of a private residence for the purpose of observing persons inside without their consent. Related to physical invasion of privacy.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Los Angeles
cityLAMC § 56.31 — Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Restricts drone operations in Los Angeles city parks and near LAPD operations. Drones prohibited in city parks without a film permit or special authorization. Also prohibits operations in ways that interfere with LAPD activities.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in city parks without film permit or special authorization; restrictions near LAPD operations.
Los Alamitos
cityMunicipal Ordinance
Creates restrictions on drone flight and activity within the town.
Restrictions
Restrictions on drone flight and activity.
Yorba Linda
cityMunicipal Ordinance
Bans drone takeoffs and landings outside visual line of sight; within 25 feet of another individual (except drone pilot or designee); and on private property without consent. Also prohibits operations within 500 feet of special events or emergency response without permit, and violations of FAA TFRs or NOTAMs.
Restrictions
Takeoffs/landings must be within visual line of sight; must maintain 25-foot distance from individuals; prohibited on private property without consent; 500-foot buffer around special events/emergency response; compliance with FAA TFRs required.
Calabasas
cityMunicipal Ordinance
Makes violations of FAA drone regulations a misdemeanor under local law; places limits on drone proximity to schools and public events.
Restrictions
Enforces FAA regulations as misdemeanor violations; restrictions on proximity to schools and public events.
Hermosa Beach
cityOrdinance 16-1363
Requires drone operators to obtain an operating permit and city-assigned identification number. Prohibits recording or transmitting visual images or audio of persons or private property under circumstances where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Prohibits drone operations on school grounds or within 350 feet above schools.
Restrictions
Operating permit and identification number required; privacy protections; prohibited within 350 feet of school airspace.
Sacramento
countyCounty Code 9.36.068
Prohibits drones in Sacramento County parks except in designated areas or with express permission from the Director in areas compatible with use.
Restrictions
Prohibited in county parks except in designated areas or with Director approval.
San Francisco
cityPark Code Sec. 3.09
Prohibits drones in San Francisco city parks without permission from the Recreation and Park Department.
Restrictions
Prohibited in city parks without Recreation and Park Department permission.
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
countyRegulations Sec. 11.01.01
Prohibits drone use on property managed by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority except with a permit. Search and rescue, fire protection, and law enforcement operations are exempt.
Restrictions
Prohibited without permit; exemptions for SAR, fire protection, and law enforcement.
MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District
countyRegulations Sec. 409.4
Prohibits drone use on property managed by the District except in designated areas or with a written permit. Permits currently available only to commercial drone pilots.
Restrictions
Prohibited except in designated areas or with written permit; commercial pilots only.
La Mesa
cityMunicipal Ordinance
Prohibits operation of drones with or without remote controller in any La Mesa city park.
Restrictions
Prohibited in city parks.
Malibu
cityFilming Permit Requirement
Requires a filming permit for commercial drone operations within the city. Most Malibu airspace overlaps with Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area no-fly zones, but the city may issue permits for commercial operations such as real estate photography.
Restrictions
Commercial drone operations require filming permit; most airspace is no-fly zone under National Park Service jurisdiction.
Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority
countyPark Ordinance
Prohibits drone operation within parks owned or operated by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority without a permit from the Executive Officer or designee.
Restrictions
Prohibited without permit from Executive Officer.
Rancho Palos Verdes
cityMunicipal Ordinance
Prohibits drone operations on city-owned property unless within designated areas for such use.
Restrictions
Prohibited on city property except in designated areas.
Napa
cityMunicipal Code 12.36.130
Prohibits drone operations in Napa city parks.
Restrictions
Prohibited in city parks.
Orange County
countyParks Drone Restriction
Ordinance prohibits drone operation in some Orange County parks. Restrictions vary by park location and may include both county-managed and state-beach-adjacent areas.
Restrictions
Varies by park; operators should check park-specific regulations before flying.
San Diego
citySan Diego Municipal Code § 63.0102
Prohibits the operation of unmanned aircraft systems in San Diego city parks and over city-owned facilities without authorization. Drones are also prohibited over Balboa Park and Mission Bay Park without a permit.
Restrictions
Prohibited in city parks and over city facilities without authorization; specific restrictions at Balboa Park and Mission Bay Park.
Santa Monica
citySanta Monica Municipal Code — UAS Restrictions
Santa Monica restricts drone operations near the beach, pier, and city parks. Operations near Santa Monica Airport (now closed and being converted) require awareness of transitioning airspace. No drones permitted over beach and pier areas without city authorization.
Restrictions
Prohibited over beach, pier, and city parks without authorization.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interference with first responders during emergency (AB 1680 / Penal Code § 402) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Prohibits interfering with emergency response activities including by drone |
| Drone surveillance violating privacy — civil invasion (AB 856 / Civil Code § 1708.8) | Civil liability | Up to three times actual damages for commercial use of unlawfully obtained images | Civil Courts | Civil cause of action; treble damages for commercial use of unlawfully obtained footage | |
| Criminal invasion of privacy by drone (Penal Code § 647(j)(1)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Using drone to peer through windows of private residence |
| Unauthorized photography at crime or accident scene (AB 2655) | Misdemeanor | Law Enforcement | Applies to first responders taking unauthorized drone or other photos at crime/accident scenes | ||
| Drone operation in state park wilderness/preserve areas (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 4351) | Misdemeanor or infraction | Up to $1,000 | California State Parks Enforcement | Applies to wilderness areas, cultural preserves, and nature preserves | |
| Drone operation over correctional facility (PUC § 21662.7) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | State and Local Law Enforcement | Applies to state prisons, county jails, and other correctional facilities |
| Drone operation in active wildfire TFR (PUC § 21663) | Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | State and Local Law Enforcement / CAL FIRE | Enhanced penalties for interfering with wildfire suppression; drone may be confiscated |
| Drone operation over power/utility infrastructure (PUC § 21662.5) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | State and Local Law Enforcement | Applies to power lines, substations, and generation facilities |
| Unauthorized drone operation in Los Angeles parks (LAMC § 56.31) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | LAPD / City Enforcement | Prohibited without film permit or special authorization |
Interference with first responders during emergency (AB 1680 / Penal Code § 402)
Prohibits interfering with emergency response activities including by drone
Drone surveillance violating privacy — civil invasion (AB 856 / Civil Code § 1708.8)
Civil cause of action; treble damages for commercial use of unlawfully obtained footage
Criminal invasion of privacy by drone (Penal Code § 647(j)(1))
Using drone to peer through windows of private residence
Unauthorized photography at crime or accident scene (AB 2655)
Applies to first responders taking unauthorized drone or other photos at crime/accident scenes
Drone operation in state park wilderness/preserve areas (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 4351)
Applies to wilderness areas, cultural preserves, and nature preserves
Drone operation over correctional facility (PUC § 21662.7)
Applies to state prisons, county jails, and other correctional facilities
Drone operation in active wildfire TFR (PUC § 21663)
Enhanced penalties for interfering with wildfire suppression; drone may be confiscated
Drone operation over power/utility infrastructure (PUC § 21662.5)
Applies to power lines, substations, and generation facilities
Unauthorized drone operation in Los Angeles parks (LAMC § 56.31)
Prohibited without film permit or special authorization
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
California does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for all drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) for both recreational and commercial operators. The $5 FAA registration fee covers a 3-year period.
Local permits may be required in specific jurisdictions such as Hermosa Beach (operating permit and city ID number required) and within various parks and open space districts. Most local restrictions prohibit operations in certain areas outright rather than requiring permits.
No statewide insurance requirement for drone operations. Some commercial operators and those seeking film permits in Los Angeles may be required to provide proof of liability insurance as a condition of permit issuance.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
All commercial drone operations in California must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule.
Commercial drone pilots operating in California must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the Aeronautical Knowledge Test. This applies to all business and commercial uses of drones in the state. State and local laws supplement but do not replace Part 107 requirements.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Hobbyist drone operators must pass the FAA TRUST exam before flying.
All recreational pilots in California must take and pass the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. This is a federal requirement applicable in all states, including California.
Drone Registration
Federal registration required for drones over 250 grams.
Any drone weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) must be federally registered with the FAA for a $5 fee (valid for 3 years). This applies to both commercial and recreational operators in California. California has no separate state registration requirement.
Remote ID Compliance
All drones must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements.
As of September 2023, all drones must be equipped with Remote ID capability or operate within FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs). Non-compliance can result in certificate suspension, civil penalties, or criminal referral. California operators are subject to full federal enforcement.
Airspace Authorization (LAANC)
LAANC is available throughout California for operations in controlled airspace.
Drone operators flying in controlled airspace must obtain authorization through FAA's LAANC system, available at airports and within controlled airspace throughout California. Some airspace requires manual COA applications when LAANC is not available.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
TFRs are frequently issued in California.
California regularly has active TFRs due to wildfires, special events, and emergency situations. California experiences a higher volume of TFRs than most states due to wildfire frequency. Violating a TFR with a drone is a federal violation (49 U.S.C. § 46307) and may also trigger California state misdemeanor penalties under PUC § 21663 for wildfire-related TFRs.
Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Government agencies may operate under COA.
Government employees operating drones for official purposes may either comply with Part 107 or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA). California law enforcement agencies, CAL FIRE, and CalTrans operate under COAs or Part 107 waivers for their drone programs.
FAA Preemption of State Airspace Regulation
Federal law preempts state regulation of navigable airspace.
The FAA has exclusive authority over the regulation of navigable airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 40103. California's drone laws are carefully crafted to address surface-level conduct (privacy, trespass, interference) rather than airspace management. However, local restrictions such as blanket park bans may face preemption challenges. The FAA's 2018 guidance memo indicated that broad local operational restrictions may be preempted, though the legal landscape remains unsettled following courts' mixed rulings.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available through the FAA for operations in controlled airspace throughout California, including airspace around all major commercial airports. Drone operators must obtain LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace.
Major Airports
LAX — Los Angeles International AirportSFO — San Francisco International AirportSAN — San Diego International AirportOAK — Oakland International AirportSMF — Sacramento International AirportSJC — San Jose Mineta International AirportONT — Ontario International AirportLGB — Long Beach AirportBUR — Hollywood Burbank AirportVNY — Van Nuys AirportSBA — Santa Barbara AirportFAT — Fresno Yosemite International AirportSNA — John Wayne Airport (Orange County)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are extremely common in California, particularly during wildfire season (typically May–November). Active wildfires almost always carry TFRs. Additional TFRs are issued around major events (Super Bowl, political events), stadiums during games, and national security activities. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Santa Monica Mountains NRA, and other National Park Service lands maintain standing no-fly restrictions. Drone operators must check FAA TFR tools before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA Steps Up Drone Enforcement Actions
enforcementUS agencies reported stepping up enforcement actions against rogue drone operators nationwide, with California among the most active enforcement states given wildfire TFR violations and urban airspace incidents.
FAA Tightens Drone Enforcement
enforcementFAA signaling tougher stance on unauthorized drone operations nationally, with increased scrutiny of Part 107 violations and Remote ID non-compliance.
FAA Enforcement Ahead of Super Bowl
enforcementFAA stepped up drone restriction enforcement ahead of the Super Bowl, with TFRs and ground stops issued around stadium areas in affected states.
FAA Names and Shames Drone Pilots with Fines
enforcementFAA publicly identified drone pilots fined up to $36,770 in a 2025 enforcement sweep, including violations in California airspace.
FAA Remote ID Compliance Enforcement
enforcementFAA warned that drone operators not compliant with Remote ID requirements face potential certificate suspension or civil penalties. California operators among those targeted.
Pending Legislation
SB 260In Assembly (as of 2026-01-27)Unmanned Aircraft — Insurance and Penal Code Provisions
Would add provisions to the Insurance Code and Penal Code relating to unmanned aircraft, potentially including liability insurance requirements and new criminal penalties for certain drone operations. Passed Senate in January 2026 and referred to Assembly committees.
Last action: January 27, 2026
AB 1749In Committee (Emergency Management Committee) — being amendedCivil Liability for Interfering with Wildfire Suppression
Would add Section 1714.57 to Civil Code creating civil liability for individuals whose drone operations interfere with wildfire suppression activities. Currently being amended in committee as of March 2026.
Last action: March 23, 2026
AB 426In Senate Appropriations Committee (Suspense File)Civil Liability for Impeding Emergency Response with Drone
Would add Section 1708.83 to Civil Code creating a civil cause of action against drone operators whose flights impede emergency response operations. Passed Assembly and currently under Senate Appropriations review.
Last action: August 29, 2025
AB 2113In Committee — author canceled hearing as of 2026-03-18UAS Operations at Ticketed Entertainment Events
Would add Part 1.5 to Division 9 of Public Utilities Code to restrict UAS operations over or near ticketed entertainment events such as concerts and sporting events. Author canceled hearing; bill's future is uncertain.
Last action: March 18, 2026
AB 2043In Committee (Emergency Management and Public Safety Committees)Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force
Would add Article 4.2 to Government Code to establish a state task force dedicated to countering unmanned aircraft systems threats to critical infrastructure and public safety. Designated as an urgency measure.
Last action: March 9, 2026
AB 75In Senate Appropriations Committee (Suspense File)Drone Imagery for Residential Property Insurance
Would add Section 2035 to Insurance Code to regulate the use of drone imagery by insurers in residential property insurance underwriting and claims. Passed Assembly; under Senate Appropriations review.
Last action: August 29, 2025
SB 93Returned to Secretary of Senate — bill stalledWeapons: Robotic Devices
Would add Section 18722 to Penal Code to regulate robotic devices, including weaponized drones. Held in appropriations committee; returned to Secretary of Senate as of February 2026.
Last action: February 2, 2026
ABX 111Died at DeskCrimes: Impeding Emergency Personnel
Would have amended Penal Code Section 402 to add new offenses for impeding emergency personnel with drones. Failed to advance and died at the desk as of February 2025.
Last action: February 3, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Stanford University prohibits unauthorized drone operations on all university property. All UAS flights require prior approval from the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) department and may require coordination with the Stanford Department of Public Safety. Research and academic uses may be permitted through the approval process. Restrictions: Strict prohibition on unauthorized flights. No flights over the Main Quad, athletic facilities, Hoover Tower, or residential areas without specific EH&S and DPS approval. All operators must comply with FAA regulations. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) / Stanford Department of Public Safety |
| University of California, Berkeley | UC Berkeley requires all drone operations on campus to comply with the UC system-wide Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy. All flights must be approved in advance by the Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S). Operators must hold appropriate FAA credentials and maintain required insurance. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights on campus. Flights must comply with UC system-wide UAS policy. Insurance and FAA credentials required for approval. | Yes | Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) |
| University of California, Los Angeles | UCLA follows the UC system-wide Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy requiring pre-approval from the UCLA Office of Environment, Health & Safety for all campus UAS operations. Stadium TFR applies during UCLA football games at the Rose Bowl and may also apply at the UCLA athletic facilities. Restrictions: UC system-wide pre-approval required. TFR applies during football games at Rose Bowl and other large athletic events. Operations over residential areas of campus require enhanced review. | Yes | UCLA Office of Environment, Health & Safety |
| University of Southern California | USC prohibits unauthorized drone flights anywhere on campus. All drone operations require approval from both the Department of Public Safety and the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Operators must be FAA-certified and carry liability insurance. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which is adjacent to campus, carries a stadium TFR during football games and major events. Restrictions: No unauthorized campus flights. FAA certification and liability insurance required for approval. LA Memorial Coliseum TFR during events. | Yes | Department of Public Safety / Office of Environmental Health & Safety |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Caltech prohibits unauthorized drone operations on campus property. All UAS flights must be coordinated through the Environmental Health & Safety office. Given proximity to Pasadena and the Rose Bowl, operators must also be aware of potential TFR restrictions during major events. Restrictions: Unauthorized flights prohibited. EH&S approval required. Rose Bowl TFR awareness required during nearby events. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety |
| University of California, San Diego | UC San Diego follows the UC system-wide Unmanned Aircraft Systems Policy. All drone operations on campus require advance approval from the EH&S office. The campus is located near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, requiring particular attention to military airspace restrictions and potential TFRs. Restrictions: UC system-wide UAS policy applies. EH&S pre-approval required. Proximity to MCAS Miramar requires coordination and airspace awareness. | Yes | UC San Diego Environment, Health & Safety |
| University of California, Davis | UC Davis follows the UC system-wide UAS Policy and has additional procedures due to its agricultural research mission. Drone operations are sometimes used for agricultural research with proper approvals. All flights must be pre-approved through EH&S. Restrictions: UC system-wide UAS policy applies. EH&S pre-approval required. Research drone flights for agriculture may be authorized with appropriate permits and FAA compliance. | Yes | UC Davis Safety Services / EH&S |
| San Diego State University | SDSU prohibits unauthorized drone operations on university property. All UAS operations require coordination with the university's Risk Management and EH&S offices. Proximity to San Diego International Airport (SAN) and naval installations requires strict airspace awareness. Restrictions: Unauthorized flights prohibited. Risk Management and EH&S approval required. SAN airport and naval airspace restrictions apply. | Yes | Risk Management / Environmental Health & Safety |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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