Connecticut Drone Laws

Prohibits operating a drone less than 250 feet above ground level or within 100 horizontal feet of a critical infrastructure facility, or using a drone to surveil such a facility, with exceptions for workers performing authorized work. Protected facilities include electrical generating stations, substations, fuel and petroleum storage, chemical plants, correctional facilities, telecommunications facilities, ports and harbors, rail yards, gas plants, television/radio transmission sites, pipelines, dams, air navigation facilities, military facilities, reservoirs, water and wastewater treatment plants, defense-contractor facilities, government office buildings, hospitals, public-safety buildings, and state or locally-owned bridges. Restriction also applies inside tunnels on limited-access highways.

Prohibits equipping any aircraft or drone with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, firearm, ammunition, explosive, or incendiary device. Exceptions: armed-forces members performing official duties, or police officers, firefighters, or emergency management directors using a motorized breaching tool during rescue or emergency services.

Bars state agencies, municipalities, and their contractors from purchasing or operating drones manufactured or assembled by a 'covered foreign entity' (currently China and Russia per federal designation). Purchase ban effective October 1, 2026 for most entities, October 1, 2025 for Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Operation ban effective October 1, 2028 for most entities, October 1, 2027 for DESPP. Does not restrict private or commercial Part 107 pilots.

Prohibits knowingly photographing, filming, or recording another person without their knowledge and consent while not in plain view and having a reasonable expectation of privacy, with intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desire. Drone surveillance of private bedrooms, bathrooms, or privacy-fenced backyards constitutes voyeurism under this statute.

Prohibits any municipality from enacting or enforcing ordinances that regulate the ownership, possession, purchase, sale, use, transportation, or operation of commercial unmanned aircraft (those flown by FAA Part 107 certificate holders). Exception: municipalities that are also water companies may regulate or prohibit drones over public water supply and Class I or Class II watershed land. Preemption does not apply to recreational drone flights, which may be regulated by local ordinance.

Prohibits use of drones on all Connecticut state parks, state forests, and other lands under the control of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Blanket prohibition applies to all DEEP-managed lands, not just designated parks. Special Use License from the Commissioner required for any authorized flights.

Prohibits using aircraft, including drones, to hunt, pursue, harass, or herd wildlife. Exception: drones may be used to recover harvested game on private land with landowner permission only; never on or over state lands. Pre-hunt scouting with drones is prohibited. Operator may need hunting license depending on extent of drone use.

Municipal Code Chapter 7, Article 2, Section 7.28 - Parks and Recreation

Prohibits possession or operation of motorized toys or models, including drones, in town parks and recreation areas except at times and places designated by the Director of Parks and Recreation.

Parks and Recreation Facility Regulations Section 175-1-28

The Parks and Recreation Commission may designate certain areas within parks for operation of powered remote-controlled aircraft and remote-controlled ground vehicles. Professional operators certified by the FAA may obtain permits for professional activities including cinematography, news-gathering, and other authorized professional operations.

Local Drone Ordinance

Prohibits flying drones over residential property without owner consent. No flights within 100 feet of schools without written permission from school administrator. Prohibits disturbing wildlife.