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Illinois Drone Laws

Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators

Moderate Regulatory Environment

State Overview

Illinois maintains a moderate regulatory posture with targeted drone laws addressing law enforcement use, privacy concerns, hunting interference, and critical infrastructure protection. The state has established preemption authority at the state level via SB 3291, restricting municipal drone regulations except for cities with populations over 1,000,000 (Chicago). Illinois requires law enforcement to follow warrant protocols and data retention rules under the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act, and several significant bills are pending that would add criminal offenses for drone misuse, weaponized drone prohibitions, and government procurement restrictions.

State Drone Laws

SB 1587 (98th GA)

Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Law Enforcement

Allows law enforcement to use drones with a warrant to counter terrorist attacks, prevent harm to life, or prevent imminent escape of a suspect. Requires destruction of all information gathered within 30 days, except supervisors may retain information with reasonable suspicion it contains evidence of criminal activity.

Effective: Aug 2, 2013N/A

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HB 1652 (98th GA)

Prohibition on Drone Interference with Hunters and Fishermen

hunting

Prohibits anyone from using a drone to interfere with hunters or fishermen. Protects hunting and fishing activities from drone-related disruption.

Effective: Aug 2, 2013Violations enforceable under Illinois criminal code

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Public Act 098-0831 (SB 2937)

Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act

Privacy

Regulates law enforcement use of drones and establishes strong privacy protections. Prohibits law enforcement from using drones to gather information without a warrant except in limited circumstances including preventing imminent harm, disaster response, or public health emergencies. Requires law enforcement to follow warrant protocols to compel third-party information sharing. Establishes data retention and disclosure requirements for drone-collected information. Creates a private right of action for individuals whose information is unlawfully gathered.

Effective: Jan 1, 2014Violations enforceable under Illinois criminal code; private right of action available

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SB 3291 (100th GA / Public Act 100-0690)

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act — State Preemption

Preemption

Establishes that the State of Illinois has sole authority to regulate drone operations. Prohibits cities, towns, and municipalities from enacting drone regulations or restrictions, voiding any such local ordinances. Special exemption granted for municipalities with populations over 1,000,000 residents (Chicago), which may enact their own drone regulations. Creates the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act as the governing framework.

Effective: Aug 3, 2018Municipal ordinances in violation are preempted and void

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Ill. Admin. Code tit. 17, § 110.160

Aircraft Landing on Department of Natural Resources Property

General

Prohibits landing or attempting to land any aircraft, including drones, on Department of Natural Resources-owned, -leased, or -managed property without prior authorization for each landing, except in cases of emergency.

Effective: Jan 1, 2013Enforcement by Illinois Department of Natural Resources; subject to administrative penalties

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Local/Municipal Ordinances

Chicago

city

Chicago Municipal Code 10-36-400 — Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Chicago is exempt from the state preemption statute due to its population exceeding 1,000,000. The city regulates drone operations within city limits, requiring compliance with FAA rules and establishing additional local restrictions.

Restrictions

Prohibits flying drones over crowds, near airports, or above 400 feet without authorization. Requires compliance with all FAA regulations. Operators must register with the city and comply with additional Chicago-specific rules. Violations subject to fines of $200–$500 per occurrence.

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Village of Schaumburg

city

Village of Schaumburg Drone Ordinance

Restricts drone use during special events and near village properties. Note: The legal validity of this ordinance may be affected by the state preemption statute (SB 3291/PA 100-0690) given Schaumburg's population is well under 1,000,000. Human review recommended.

Restrictions

Prohibits drone use within 100 feet of the perimeter of any village property or on any village right-of-way during special events.

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City of Evanston

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City of Evanston Drone Moratorium

Established a moratorium on drone use within the city. Note: This resolution predates the state preemption statute and its current enforceability is uncertain. The moratorium may be void under PA 100-0690. Human review recommended.

Restrictions

Moratorium on all drone use until reasonable state and federal regulations are enacted. Likely superseded by state preemption law.

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Crystal Lake Park District

county

Crystal Lake Park District Park Ordinance

Prohibits drone operation in park district properties except in permitted or designated areas. Note: Park district authority to regulate drones may be limited by the state preemption statute. Human review recommended.

Restrictions

Prohibits operation of drones within any Park District properties, except when and where use has been permitted by the Park District's program or in designated areas.

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Naperville Park District

county

Naperville Park District Park Ordinance

Restricts drone operations in Naperville parks with limited exceptions. Note: Park district authority to regulate drones may be limited by the state preemption statute. Human review recommended.

Restrictions

Prohibits drone operation in any Naperville Park, except where expressly allowed in Brush Hill Park.

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DuPage County Forest Preserve District

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DuPage County Forest Preserve District General Use Regulation Ordinance

Regulates drone operations on Forest Preserve property with permit and designated area requirements. Note: Forest preserve district authority to regulate drones may be limited by the state preemption statute. Human review recommended.

Restrictions

Prohibits all drone operations on Forest Preserve property except in designated flying areas and with a properly obtained permit from the District.

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McHenry County Conservation District

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McHenry County Conservation District Ordinance

Prohibits drone operations on district property without prior written authorization from the Executive Director. Note: Conservation district authority to regulate drones may be limited by the state preemption statute. Human review recommended.

Restrictions

Prohibits drones from operating within any property owned by the district without prior written permission of the Executive Director.

Penalty & Fine Schedule

Violation	Classification	Fine Range	Imprisonment	Enforcement	Notes
Interference with hunters or fishermen using a drone (HB 1652 / 98th GA)	Criminal violation under Illinois law	Determined by applicable criminal code provisions	Determined by applicable criminal code provisions	Local law enforcement, Illinois State Police	Specific penalty schedule not detailed in the statute itself; enforcement under Illinois criminal code
Unlawful drone surveillance violating Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (PA 098-0831)	Criminal violation; also civil liability	Determined by applicable criminal code provisions	Determined by applicable criminal code provisions	Local law enforcement, Illinois State Police	Private right of action available; subject to Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act requirements
Landing aircraft on Department of Natural Resources property without authorization	Administrative violation	Determined by Department enforcement action	N/A	Illinois Department of Natural Resources	Exception for emergency landings; Ill. Admin. Code tit. 17, § 110.160
Chicago municipal drone violations (CMC 10-36-400)	Municipal ordinance violation	$200 to $500 per violation	Determined by Chicago Municipal Code	Chicago Police Department	Applies to flying over crowds, near airports, or above 400 feet without authorization; Chicago exempt from state preemption

Interference with hunters or fishermen using a drone (HB 1652 / 98th GA)

ClassificationCriminal violation under Illinois law

FineDetermined by applicable criminal code provisions

ImprisonmentDetermined by applicable criminal code provisions

EnforcementLocal law enforcement, Illinois State Police

Specific penalty schedule not detailed in the statute itself; enforcement under Illinois criminal code

Unlawful drone surveillance violating Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (PA 098-0831)

ClassificationCriminal violation; also civil liability

FineDetermined by applicable criminal code provisions

ImprisonmentDetermined by applicable criminal code provisions

EnforcementLocal law enforcement, Illinois State Police

Private right of action available; subject to Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act requirements

Landing aircraft on Department of Natural Resources property without authorization

ClassificationAdministrative violation

FineDetermined by Department enforcement action

ImprisonmentN/A

EnforcementIllinois Department of Natural Resources

Exception for emergency landings; Ill. Admin. Code tit. 17, § 110.160

Chicago municipal drone violations (CMC 10-36-400)

ClassificationMunicipal ordinance violation

Fine$200 to $500 per violation

ImprisonmentDetermined by Chicago Municipal Code

EnforcementChicago Police Department

Applies to flying over crowds, near airports, or above 400 feet without authorization; Chicago exempt from state preemption

Registration Requirements

State Registration

Not Required

State Permit

Not Required

State Insurance

Not Required

Illinois does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for drones over 0.55 lbs (250 grams) under federal law. The current FAA registration fee is $5 for recreational operators and $5 per aircraft for commercial operators under Part 107.

No state permit required for recreational or commercial drone flight beyond FAA requirements. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements including Remote Pilot Certificate. Certain operations in specific locations (parks, DNR lands, Chicago) may require local permits.

Insurance is not required by Illinois state law, though individual commercial operations, park districts, or municipal jurisdictions may require proof of insurance as a condition of local permits.

Applicable Federal Regulations

FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification

Commercial drone pilots in Illinois must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate through FAA Part 107

All commercial drone operators in Illinois are subject to FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule. This requires passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate. Operators must comply with altitude limits (400 feet AGL), visual line-of-sight requirements, and airspace restrictions including LAANC compliance. Waivers are available for certain Part 107 limitations.

Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)

Recreational drone pilots must complete the FAA TRUST before flying

Hobbyist drone operators in Illinois are required by the FAA to complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. Drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA. Recreational pilots must follow FAA model aircraft rules including altitude limits and visual line-of-sight requirements, and must fly within the programming of a Community Based Organization (CBO) or comply with FAA rules.

Remote ID Compliance

Drone operators face suspension for non-compliance with FAA Remote ID requirement

The FAA Remote ID rule is in full effect. All drones operating in the National Airspace System must broadcast Remote ID information unless operating within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Non-compliance can result in certificate suspension and civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation. Illinois pending legislation (SB 2364, SB 3990) may add state-level geofencing requirements that complement Remote ID.

Government Drone Operations

Government employees may operate under Part 107 or obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA)

Police, fire, and other government agencies in Illinois may operate drones under FAA Part 107 rules or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA) for operations that exceed Part 107 limitations. Illinois law enforcement is additionally subject to the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act requirements for warrant protocols and data retention.

Critical Infrastructure Airspace

FAA maintains no-fly zones around critical infrastructure; state bills would add geofencing requirements

The FAA institutes nationwide drone no-fly zones and security airspace restrictions around critical infrastructure facilities including power plants, dams, and sensitive government installations. Pending Illinois legislation (SB 2364, SB 3990, HB 5275) would add state-level requirements for geofencing of sensitive locations and criminal penalties for overflights, which could create overlapping federal-state regulatory regimes that need coordination.

Drone Weaponization — Federal vs. State

Federal law and pending Illinois legislation both address weaponized drones

Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 46502 and related statutes) addresses aircraft weaponization. Pending Illinois HB 5275 and SB 3930 would separately create state criminal offenses for equipping drones with firearms, lasers, kinetic projectiles, or chemical agents. If enacted, Illinois would have concurrent state-level criminal liability for weaponized drone operations, supplementing federal law.

For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.

Airspace & LAANC

LAANC Coverage

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at major Illinois airports for automated airspace authorization below 400 feet AGL. Operators should check the FAA DroneZone and B4UFLY app for current authorizations.

Major Airports

ORD — Chicago O'Hare International Airport
MDW — Chicago Midway International Airport
RFD — Chicago Rockford International Airport
SPI — Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (Springfield)
BMI — Central Illinois Regional Airport (Bloomington-Normal)
CMI — University of Illinois Willard Airport (Champaign)

TFR Notice

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are regularly established around major Illinois airports, stadiums during athletic events (e.g., Memorial Stadium in Urbana, Wrigley Field, Guaranteed Rate Field, Soldier Field, United Center in Chicago, and Ryan Field at Northwestern), and for special events. The Chicago metro area is particularly dense with airspace restrictions. Check FAA TFR listings and B4UFLY before every flight.

B4UFLY App UAS Facility Maps

Recent Enforcement Actions & News

Federal agencies boost drone violation penalties

enforcement

Federal agencies increased enforcement actions and penalties for drone violations, including incident over Fort McNair and other unauthorized operations across the United States.

March 20, 2026Source

FAA steps up enforcement ahead of Super Bowl

enforcement

FAA and FBI established comprehensive drone restrictions for Super Bowl LX with increased enforcement actions against unauthorized drone operations near the venue.

February 6, 2026Source

FAA details enforcement actions against unsafe drone operations

enforcement

FAA released details of enforcement actions taken against drone operators for unsafe and unauthorized operations across the United States, including incidents relevant to Illinois airspace.

February 9, 2026Source

Pending Legislation

SB 2364Referred to Assignments

Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act

Creates comprehensive security requirements for government drone procurement and use. Classifies drones into three tiers with different security requirements. Prohibits government agencies from using drones from manufacturers in 'countries of concern.' Requires Department of Transportation to identify sensitive locations and mandates geofencing. Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for flight mapping software providers to allow users to fly over sensitive locations without authorization or for users to operate non-mapping-software drones over sensitive locations without permission.

Last action: February 7, 2025

SB 3990Referred to Assignments

Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act

Nearly identical to SB 2364. Creates the Unmanned Aerial Systems Security Act with security requirements for government drone use. Prohibits procurement of drones from manufacturers in countries of concern. Requires geofencing of sensitive Illinois locations. Creates Class A misdemeanor penalties for violations. Effective January 1, 2027.

Last action: February 6, 2026

HB 5275Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

Drone Safety and Interference Prevention Act

Creates criminal offenses for unlawful imaging of emergency response activities, unlawful operation over critical infrastructure, and unlawful operation over correctional institutions. Prohibits equipping drones with firearms, weaponized lasers, kinetic projectiles, chemical agents, or other weapons. Allows law enforcement to seize drones with probable cause. Provides for drone forfeiture. Requires deletion of seized data within 30 days unless it constitutes evidence of criminal activity. Effective January 1, 2027.

Last action: March 27, 2026

SB 3930Re-referred to Assignments

Drone Safety and Interference Prevention Act

Senate companion bill to HB 5275. Creates criminal offenses for unlawful imaging of emergency response activities, unlawful operation over critical infrastructure, and unlawful operation over correctional facilities. Prohibits weaponized drones. Authorizes law enforcement seizure and forfeiture of drones. Requires data deletion within 30 days unless evidence-related. Effective January 1, 2027.

Last action: March 27, 2026

HB 5274House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee

Law Enforcement-Various (Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act Amendment)

Amends Illinois State Police Law and the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act. Allows State Police chief executive designee to file drone use reports on behalf of the chief executive. Adds human trafficking and sexual assault training requirements for State Police. Modifies various law enforcement provisions including fingerprint and DNA collection procedures.

Last action: March 26, 2026

SB 3597Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Assignments

Law Enforcement-Various (Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act Amendment)

Senate companion to HB 5274. Amends Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act to allow chief executive designee to file required drone use reports. Modifies State Police Law regarding training and recordkeeping procedures. Effective immediately upon passage.

Last action: March 26, 2026

SB 0919Re-referred to Assignments