Indiana Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Indiana maintains a moderate regulatory posture with multiple targeted drone statutes addressing privacy, harassment, and hunting. The state imposes a blanket ban on drone operations on all Department of Natural Resources properties, requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance, and has enacted specialized criminal penalties for remote aerial harassment, voyeurism, sex offender violations, and public safety interference. Recent amendments (HB1249, March 2026) strengthen remote aerial harassment provisions.
State Drone Laws
312 IAC 8-2-8Drones Prohibited on DNR Properties
No person shall operate a drone on any Indiana Department of Natural Resources property, including state parks, state forests, nature preserves, and fish and wildlife areas, without a written permit from the DNR.
IC 35-45-10-6Remote Aerial Harassment
Makes it unlawful to operate a drone to harass, intimidate, or follow another person, or to use a drone in a manner that constitutes harassment. Expanded by HB1249 (signed March 2026).
IC 35-45-4-5Voyeurism via Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Makes it illegal to use a drone to capture images or recordings of an individual in a private area without consent. Enhanced penalties apply if images are distributed.
IC 35-42-4-12.5Sex Offender Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Offenses
Prohibits registered sex offenders from operating drones to intentionally follow, contact, or capture images of individuals, particularly minors. Applies to those under probation, parole, or community corrections.
IC 14-22-6-16Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Aid Hunting
Prohibits using drones to scout, locate, drive, or pattern game animals during hunting season. Drones are permitted only for recovering animals that have already been legally harvested. Amended March 2024 to clarify scope.
IC 35-33-5-9Law Enforcement Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Surveillance Warrant Requirement
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before using drones to conduct surveillance of private property. Evidence obtained without a warrant is inadmissible in court. Exception: law enforcement may use drones to photograph motor vehicle accidents on public streets or highways.
IC 35-45-10-6 (et seq.)Public Safety Remote Aerial Interference Offense
Makes it illegal to knowingly or deliberately operate a drone in a manner that interferes or obstructs a public safety official in the performance of official duties.
IC 35-43-2-2 (et seq.)Traffic Accident Photography Authorization
Permits drones to be used to capture aerial photographs and recordings of motor vehicle accident scenes on public streets and highways, subject to law enforcement direction.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Fort Wayne
cityFort Wayne Municipal Code 96.30: Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Systems
Fort Wayne restricts drone operations in three types of designated zones and requires advance notification to the city before flying. The city is the most restrictive municipality in Indiana regarding drone regulation.
Restrictions
Downtown Aerial District: 5,500 ft radius from 100 block W Main St. Airport zones: 2.5 miles around Fort Wayne International Airport, 5,500 ft around Smith Field. Hospital/military zones: 2,500 ft radius. All drone operators must notify city and provide pilot information, FAA registration numbers, proposed flight areas, times, and contact information for any private property owners granting permission.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote aerial harassment (IC 35-45-10-6) | Class A Misdemeanor (first offense); Level 6 Felony (repeat) | Up to $5,000 (first offense); up to $10,000 (repeat) | Up to 1 year (first offense); 6 months to 2.5 years (repeat) | Indiana State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Repeat offenses escalate to Level 6 felony classification |
| Voyeurism via drone (IC 35-45-4-5) | Level 6 Felony | Up to $10,000 | 6 months to 2.5 years | Local Law Enforcement, State Police | Enhanced penalties apply if images are distributed. Does not apply only to first offense. |
| Sex offender drone violations (IC 35-42-4-12.5) | Class A Misdemeanor (first offense); Level 6 Felony (repeat) | Varies; up to $10,000 (repeat) | 1 year (first offense); 6 months to 2.5 years (repeat) | Local Law Enforcement, Department of Correction | Applies only to registered sex offenders under probation, parole, or community corrections |
| Drone hunting violation (IC 14-22-6-16) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Indiana DNR, Local Law Enforcement | March 2026: First prosecution filed for illegal deer scouting drone use |
| Public safety remote aerial interference (IC 35-45-10-6) | Class A Misdemeanor (first offense); Level 6 Felony (repeat) | Up to $5,000 (first offense); up to $10,000 (repeat) | Up to 1 year (first offense); 6 months to 2.5 years (repeat) | State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Applies to interference with emergency responders |
Remote aerial harassment (IC 35-45-10-6)
Repeat offenses escalate to Level 6 felony classification
Voyeurism via drone (IC 35-45-4-5)
Enhanced penalties apply if images are distributed. Does not apply only to first offense.
Sex offender drone violations (IC 35-42-4-12.5)
Applies only to registered sex offenders under probation, parole, or community corrections
Drone hunting violation (IC 14-22-6-16)
March 2026: First prosecution filed for illegal deer scouting drone use
Public safety remote aerial interference (IC 35-45-10-6)
Applies to interference with emergency responders
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Indiana has no separate state drone registration requirement. All drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). All registered drones must have Remote ID capability as of March 2024.
Written permit required from Indiana DNR to operate drones on any DNR property (state parks, state forests, nature preserves, fish and wildlife areas). Commercial operations on DNR land may require FAA Part 107 certificate and proof of insurance. Fort Wayne requires advance notification (260-427-6155) before flying in designated zones.
Insurance is not required by Indiana state law for recreational or most commercial operations, but is strongly recommended and often required by commercial clients and DNR for operations on state lands.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID broadcast capability required on all registered drones since March 2024
All FAA-registered drones must transmit Remote ID information. Indiana enforces federal Remote ID requirements with state criminal penalties available for violations of state drone statutes.
LAANC Authorization
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability available at Indianapolis and Fort Wayne airports
Drone operators flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, E airspace) must obtain LAANC clearance. Available for flights under 400 feet in near real-time at participating airports.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Part 107 certificate required for commercial drone operations
Indiana has no separate state commercial drone license. FAA Part 107 certification ($175 test) is the only federal requirement, plus compliance with local ordinances (e.g., Fort Wayne notification requirement) and DNR permits for state lands.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
FAA requires VLOS for all drone flights
Recreational and Part 107 pilots must maintain VLOS or use a visual observer. 400-foot altitude limit applies in uncontrolled airspace; lower limits may apply near airports.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Indiana has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at two major airports: Indianapolis International Airport (IND, Class C) and Fort Wayne International Airport (Class C). Available through multiple FAA-approved service providers including Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, and UASidekick.
Major Airports
IND — Indianapolis International AirportFWA — Fort Wayne International AirportSmith Field (Fort Wayne)
TFR Notice
Temporary flight restrictions during Indianapolis Motor Speedway races (Indianapolis 500), Lucas Oil Stadium during major sporting events (Colts games), memorial events, and other special occasions. Check NOTAM system for current TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB1064In Committee — Courts and Criminal CodeUnmanned Aerial Vehicles
Would establish civil and criminal penalties for operating UAVs over private property, including making repeated operation a nuisance with both civil and criminal penalties. Creates crimes for operating UAVs over critical infrastructure, people, and animals. Requires liability insurance for UAVs 55+ pounds. Establishes civil trespass penalties for operating UAVs less than 100 feet above private property or landing on private property. Includes enhanced penalties for agricultural property violations.
Last action: January 12, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University Bloomington | IU Bloomington requires advance approval from the Office of Environmental, Health & Safety Management before any UAS operations on campus. Memorial Stadium is subject to TFR restrictions during athletic events. Restrictions: All drone flights require EHS approval. No recreational drone use permitted. Stadium TFR during Hoosier football games and major athletic events. | Yes | Office of Environmental, Health & Safety Management |
| Purdue University | Purdue University requires all UAS operations on campus to be approved through the Office of Environmental Health and Public Safety. The university has an active research program in UAS operations through the School of Aviation. Restrictions: Approval required for all campus flights. Ross-Ade Stadium subject to TFR during major athletic events. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health and Public 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.
Stay Compliant
Stay Compliant. Stay Organized.
Now that you know Indiana's drone laws, let PilotLedger help you stay on top of compliance. Manage your quotes, invoices, clients, and run your drone business from one platform.