Kentucky Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Kentucky maintains a moderate regulatory stance on drone operations with specific restrictions on surveillance, critical infrastructure, hunting, and law enforcement use. The state requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant specifically authorizing drone use, stricter than most states. State parks require permits, insurance, and pilot licenses. Commercial and recreational operations are otherwise permitted under FAA rules.
State Drone Laws
KRS 500.130Citizens' Freedom from Unwarranted Surveillance Act
Prohibits using a drone to conduct surveillance of a person or private property without consent. Allows recreational and professional drone use for lawful purposes. Requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant specifically authorizing UAS use before conducting surveillance. Evidence obtained without proper warrant authorization is inadmissible in civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings.
KRS 531.090Voyeurism via Drone
Prohibits using a drone to conduct voyeurism or capture intimate images without consent in violation of reasonable expectations of privacy.
KRS 511.100Trespass Over Key Infrastructure Assets
Prohibits flying a drone over key infrastructure assets (power plants, correctional facilities, military bases, water treatment plants, energy installations, courthouses, hospitals) with intent to cause harm, damage, or conduct surveillance without prior consent of owner, tenant, or lessee. First offense is a Class B misdemeanor; subsequent offenses are Class A misdemeanor. Exceptions apply for federal government, law enforcement, emergency responders, and commercial operations in compliance with FAA regulations.
KRS 501.110Criminal Liability Extension for Crimes Committed via Drone
Extends criminal liability to any crime committed using a drone. If an act constitutes a crime when committed in person, it constitutes the same crime when committed via drone, with identical sentencing.
KRS 183.991Reckless Operation of Unmanned Aircraft System Near Manned Aircraft
Prohibits operating a drone in a reckless manner that creates serious risk of physical injury or death to persons or damage to property. Violations near manned aircraft result in enhanced penalties.
301 KAR 3:140Prohibition on Hunting and Fishing with Drones
Makes it unlawful to use drones in the 'take' of fish or wildlife, including pursuing, hunting, catching, trapping, driving, or harassing wildlife. Limited exceptions for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife employees conducting research, authorized landowners managing wildlife damage, and commercial fishers locating invasive carp.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Bowling Green
cityBowling Green Parks Drone Use Policy
Drones may only be used in city parks with written consent from the Parks Director. The Director can limit flights to specific parks, locations, and time windows.
Restrictions
Written Parks Director consent required. Permanently banned over Russell Sims Aquatics Center, city golf courses, and other locations designated by the Director.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surveillance via drone without consent or law enforcement warrant (KRS 500.130) | Class B Misdemeanor (first offense); Class A Misdemeanor (subsequent) | Up to $250 | Up to 90 days (Class B); Up to 12 months (Class A) | Local Law Enforcement / State Police | Law enforcement requires specific warrant naming the drone. Evidence from unauthorized surveillance is inadmissible in court. |
| Voyeurism via drone (KRS 531.090) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $250 | Up to 90 days | Local Law Enforcement | |
| Trespass over key infrastructure - first offense (KRS 511.100) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $250 | Up to 90 days | Local Law Enforcement / State Police | Key infrastructure includes power plants, hospitals, military installations, water treatment facilities, oil/gas facilities, courthouses, correctional facilities. |
| Trespass over key infrastructure - subsequent offense (KRS 511.100) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 12 months | Local Law Enforcement / State Police | |
| Reckless operation of drone near manned aircraft (KRS 183.991) | Class A Misdemeanor or Class D Felony | Varies | Up to 12 months (Class A); Up to 5 years (Class D) | FAA / Local Law Enforcement | Felony classification applies if operation causes serious disruption to safe travel of an aircraft. |
| Hunting or fishing with drones (301 KAR 3:140) | Fish and Wildlife Violation | Per Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources schedule | As applicable to violation classification | Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources | Effective October 16, 2025. Exceptions for official research and invasive species control. |
| Crime committed via drone (KRS 501.110) | Same as underlying crime | Same as underlying crime | Same as underlying crime | As applicable to underlying crime | Criminal liability extends to any crime committed using a drone with identical sentencing. |
Surveillance via drone without consent or law enforcement warrant (KRS 500.130)
Law enforcement requires specific warrant naming the drone. Evidence from unauthorized surveillance is inadmissible in court.
Voyeurism via drone (KRS 531.090)
Trespass over key infrastructure - first offense (KRS 511.100)
Key infrastructure includes power plants, hospitals, military installations, water treatment facilities, oil/gas facilities, courthouses, correctional facilities.
Trespass over key infrastructure - subsequent offense (KRS 511.100)
Reckless operation of drone near manned aircraft (KRS 183.991)
Felony classification applies if operation causes serious disruption to safe travel of an aircraft.
Hunting or fishing with drones (301 KAR 3:140)
Effective October 16, 2025. Exceptions for official research and invasive species control.
Crime committed via drone (KRS 501.110)
Criminal liability extends to any crime committed using a drone with identical sentencing.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Kentucky does not require separate state drone registration. Drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). State parks require permit applications that include proof of pilot license and liability insurance.
Kentucky state parks require a completed permit application, proof of liability insurance, and a copy of pilot license (either TRUST test completion for recreational or FAA Part 107 certificate for commercial). All three documents must be submitted through parks.ky.gov. Some state parks located on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property require additional Corps approval in addition to state permit.
Not mandated statewide by Kentucky law. However, liability insurance is required for all drone operations in Kentucky state parks as part of the permit application. Most commercial clients also require minimum $1 million in general liability coverage.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Remote ID Requirement
Remote ID has been required on all registered drones since March 2024
All drones over 250g flying in Kentucky must broadcast Remote ID information. This applies to both recreational and commercial operations. Non-compliance can result in FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 or criminal penalties up to $250,000.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operations require FAA Part 107 certificate ($175 test fee, 24-month validity)
Kentucky does not add state-level commercial licensing requirements beyond FAA Part 107. However, state parks require proof of Part 107 certificate as part of the permit application. Part 107 certificate must be recertified every 24 months.
LAANC Authorization in Controlled Airspace
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability required for operations in controlled airspace
Recreational and Part 107 pilots can request near-real-time authorization for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace at LAANC-enabled airports (including SDF and LEX in Kentucky). Part 107 pilots can also submit 'further coordination requests' up to 90 days in advance for operations above designated LAANC altitude ceilings, up to 400 feet AGL.
Recreational TRUST Test Requirement
Recreational pilots must pass the free FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying
The TRUST test is free and covers aeronautical knowledge, safety, and regulatory information. All recreational pilots must carry proof of test completion. Test questions can be retaken to 100% before issuance of completion certificate. Multiple FAA-approved test administrators are available across Kentucky.
Night Flying
Allowed with anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles under FAA rules
Both recreational and Part 107 pilots can fly at night in Kentucky with proper anti-collision lighting. Kentucky does not impose additional night-flying restrictions beyond the federal requirement.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Requirement
Must maintain VLOS at all times during operations
Both recreational and Part 107 operators must keep the drone in sight or use a visual observer who is physically present and in direct communication with the pilot. Kentucky enforces this federal requirement.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
KRS 500.130 — Operation of unmanned aircraft system — restrictions on key infrastructure assets
Penalty: Class B misdemeanor (first offense), Class A misdemeanor (subsequent offense) for trespass on key infrastructure assets via drone
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Kentucky's CI definition explicitly excludes underground utility infrastructure. Operation prohibited within 500 ft horizontal or 250 ft vertical of a covered facility absent written consent.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 airports nationwide. In Kentucky, coverage includes Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF - Class C airspace) and Blue Grass Airport in Lexington (LEX - Class D airspace). The UPS Worldport hub at SDF creates heavy cargo traffic requiring extra caution and early coordination.
Major Airports
SDF — Louisville Muhammad Ali International AirportLEX — Blue Grass Airport (Lexington)BWG — Bowling Green-Warren County Regional AirportCVG — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (Class B, near border)
TFR Notice
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are issued around military installations (Fort Knox, Fort Campbell), major sporting events (University of Kentucky Kroger Field during football, University of Louisville L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium during athletics), and other restricted areas. Check B4UFLY before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
The 'Drone Slayer' Case — Hillview, Bullitt County
enforcementWilliam Merideth shot down a camera-equipped drone hovering over his property in Hillview with a 12-gauge shotgun after his daughter reported it. Merideth was charged with first-degree criminal mischief and first-degree wanton endangerment. In October 2015, Bullitt County Judge Rebecca Ward dismissed all charges, ruling Merideth had a right to shoot the drone due to invasion of privacy. The drone owner, John David Boggs, filed a federal lawsuit in January 2016, but U.S. District Judge Thomas B. Russell dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice in March 2017 for lack of jurisdiction. This landmark case directly influenced Kentucky's drone legislation and remains significant in national debates over airspace rights versus property and privacy rights.
Pending Legislation
SB 16Proposed / StalledExpansion of Critical Infrastructure Assets for Drone Trespass Statute
Would expand the list of critical infrastructure assets covered under KRS 511.100 to include concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and food processing facilities. The bill faced significant opposition from civil liberties groups citing concerns about overly broad restrictions on drone operations.
Last action: March 15, 2024
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | UK requires all UAS operations on campus to be approved by Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Kroger Field operates a temporary flight restriction during football games. Restrictions: Prior Environmental Health & Safety approval required for all drone flights on campus. Stadium TFR during Wildcats football games. No flights over medical facilities or sensitive research areas. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@uky.edu |
| University of Louisville | University of Louisville requires drone operators to obtain prior approval from the Department of Environmental Health & Safety before flying on campus. L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium operates a TFR during athletic events. Restrictions: Prior approval from Department of Environmental Health & Safety required for all campus drone operations. Stadium TFR during athletic events. | Yes | Department of 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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