Massachusetts Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Massachusetts maintains a restrictive regulatory environment for recreational drone operations while supporting commercial drone use. The state imposes a blanket ban on drones across 450,000 acres of Department of Conservation and Recreation land, strict electronic surveillance laws, and weaponization prohibitions. However, Massachusetts has issued one of the first statewide BVLOS waivers for rail corridor inspection, demonstrating support for commercial drone infrastructure.
State Drone Laws
MGL Chapter 90, Section 63(a)Unmanned Aircraft System Violations
Prohibits operating an unmanned aircraft system in violation of FAA regulations. Also prohibits attaching weapons to drones, interfering with manned aircraft, and causing damage to manned aircraft.
MGL Chapter 272, Section 105Secret Electronic Surveillance and Photography
Prohibits secret electronic surveillance of any person, including secret photography via drone without consent. Applies to recording or photographing individuals on private property without permission.
302 CMR 12.00Department of Conservation and Recreation - Unmanned Aircraft Ban
Prohibits the taking off, landing, or operation of any unmanned aircraft system on all Department of Conservation and Recreation property, including state forests, state parks, state beaches, reservations, and waterways. Covers approximately 450,000 acres of state-managed land. Special Use Permit required for exceptions; rarely granted for recreational use.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Chicopee
cityDrone Operation Ordinance (Chapter 186)
Regulates drone operations within Chicopee city limits requiring prior authorization and restrictions on recording.
Restrictions
Drones may only take off or land on private property with written permission from the landowner. No operation over city-owned or operated property without prior authorization. No drone shall photograph or record video of any person without their prior written permission.
City of Belchertown
cityQuabbin Reservoir Watershed System Drone Restrictions
Prohibits drone operation on the Quabbin Reservoir Watershed System without a permit.
Restrictions
Written permission required from the Massachusetts Division of Water Supply Protection to operate drones on Quabbin Reservoir Watershed System. Only FAA-registered UAVs can apply for permits. Designated times and locations apply.
Town of Holyoke
cityUnmanned Aircraft System Ordinance (Code 54-22)
Prohibits drone operations over private and city-owned property without consent.
Restrictions
Drones are not allowed to operate over any private property unless written consent has been granted by the property owner. Drones are not allowed to fly over city-owned or operated property (including Holyoke waterworks and Holyoke gas and electric) without prior written consent from the city.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating UAS in violation of FAA regulations (MGL Ch. 90, Sec. 63(a)) | Violation | $100 | None | Massachusetts State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Basic violation for non-compliance with federal FAA rules |
| Attaching weapon to drone (MGL Ch. 90, Sec. 63(a)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year | Massachusetts State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Applies to all types of weapons |
| Interfering with manned aircraft (MGL Ch. 90, Sec. 63(a)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,500 | Up to 1 year | Massachusetts State Police / FAA | Interference with manned aircraft operations |
| Causing damage to manned aircraft (MGL Ch. 90, Sec. 63(a)) | Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 2.5 years | Massachusetts State Police / FAA | Most serious violation; results in state prison time |
| Secret electronic surveillance / Photography without consent (MGL Ch. 272, Sec. 105) | Felony | Up to $5,000 | Up to 2.5 years | Local Law Enforcement / Massachusetts State Police | Applies to drone photography/recording of people without consent |
| Flying on DCR-managed land without Special Use Permit (302 CMR 12.00) | Citation | Varies | None | Department of Conservation and Recreation | Aircraft subject to confiscation. Covers 450,000 acres of state land |
Operating UAS in violation of FAA regulations (MGL Ch. 90, Sec. 63(a))
Basic violation for non-compliance with federal FAA rules
Attaching weapon to drone (MGL Ch. 90, Sec. 63(a))
Applies to all types of weapons
Interfering with manned aircraft (MGL Ch. 90, Sec. 63(a))
Interference with manned aircraft operations
Causing damage to manned aircraft (MGL Ch. 90, Sec. 63(a))
Most serious violation; results in state prison time
Secret electronic surveillance / Photography without consent (MGL Ch. 272, Sec. 105)
Applies to drone photography/recording of people without consent
Flying on DCR-managed land without Special Use Permit (302 CMR 12.00)
Aircraft subject to confiscation. Covers 450,000 acres of state land
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Massachusetts does not require state-level drone registration. The Singer v. City of Newton case (2017) established that local municipalities cannot create their own drone registration systems because federal law (FAA) preempts this authority. FAA registration required for all drones over 250 grams.
Special Use Permit required for DCR land. Individual city/town permits may be required depending on local ordinances. Commercial operators may qualify for statewide BVLOS waivers under specific circumstances.
Not required by state law, but commercial operators typically carry $1 million in drone liability coverage due to client requirements.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Requirement
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information
Required on all registered drones since March 2024. Applies to Massachusetts as part of federal mandate.
FAA Part 107 Commercial License
Required for commercial drone operations
Commercial drone operators in Massachusetts must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Test costs $175, valid for 24 months. Available at PSI testing centers in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and other locations.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Requirement
Standard VLOS rules apply to all operations
Massachusetts operators must maintain visual line of sight at all times, except under specific waivers (such as the statewide BVLOS waiver for rail corridor inspection covering 1,000+ miles).
Altitude Restrictions
400 feet Above Ground Level maximum
Standard FAA 400-foot AGL rule applies in uncontrolled airspace. Controlled airspace restrictions apply around airports and Boston metro area.
BVLOS Waiver - Rail Corridor Inspection
Statewide waiver for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations
Massachusetts has received one of the first statewide BVLOS waivers for rail corridor inspection, covering 1,000+ miles of track. Demonstrates state support for commercial drone infrastructure.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Massachusetts 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 726 airports nationwide, including Boston Logan. Ceiling altitudes near Logan often limited to 0-50 feet due to Class B airspace. Authorized through DJI Fly, Aloft, AirHub, and other FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Major Airports
BOS — Boston Logan International AirportMHT — Manchester AirportPVD — Providence AirportHFD — Hartford-Brainard Airport
TFR Notice
TFRs routinely issued over Boston major events (Boston Marathon, Red Sox games at Fenway Park, Fourth of July celebrations on the Esplanade). Massport has installed over 200 'No Drone Zone' signs across 50+ locations. Dense controlled airspace east of Worcester.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
FAA and FBI Establish Comprehensive Drone Restrictions for Super Bowl LX
regulatory changeFAA and FBI coordinate comprehensive drone restrictions around Super Bowl LX in Boston/New England area with enhanced enforcement measures
FAA Launches DETER Program - New Drone Enforcement Initiative
enforcementFAA launches DETER (Deterrence of Unmanned Operations) program offering fast-track penalties for first-time drone offenders as an enforcement tool applicable nationwide including Massachusetts
Pending Legislation
H3663In CommitteeRelative to the safe operation of drones in the Commonwealth
Would establish comprehensive safety regulations for drone operations in Massachusetts. Bill hearing was scheduled for July 22, 2025.
Last action: February 5, 2026
S700In CommitteeRelative to the use of drones by insurance companies
Would require insurance companies to notify policyholders of the use of drones for claims investigation or property assessment.
Last action: March 5, 2026
H3800In CommitteeRegulating drones
General drone regulation bill establishing safety and operational standards for unmanned aircraft systems in the commonwealth.
Last action: February 5, 2026
H3618In CommitteeRegulating the flight of unmanned aircraft/drones in the airspace over all early, elementary and secondary education facilities in the Commonwealth
Would restrict drone flights over all public and private K-12 school facilities to protect student safety and privacy.
Last action: February 5, 2026
S2438In CommitteeRelative to unmanned aerial systems
Comprehensive unmanned aerial systems regulation bill for Massachusetts.
Last action: April 1, 2026
H3749In CommitteeRelative to unmanned aerial systems
Comprehensive unmanned aerial systems regulation and safety standards bill.
Last action: October 2, 2025
H4546In CommitteeRelative to unmanned aerial systems
New draft of H3749, establishing unmanned aerial systems regulations.
Last action: October 2, 2025
S1734In CommitteeRelative to the use of unmanned aerial systems
Establishes regulations for unmanned aerial systems use in Massachusetts.
Last action: January 15, 2026
S3008In CommitteeRelative to unmanned aerial vehicles in the commonwealth
Comprehensive regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles in Massachusetts.
Last action: April 1, 2026
S2454In CommitteeRelative to unmanned aerial vehicles in the commonwealth
Regulates unmanned aerial vehicles operations in the commonwealth.
Last action: April 1, 2026
H1585In CommitteeRelative to air traffic safety
Air traffic safety bill that may include drone-related provisions.
Last action: March 26, 2026
H1688In CommitteeRelative to unmanned aerial vehicles
Regulates unmanned aerial vehicles in the commonwealth.
Last action: March 18, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MIT prohibits unauthorized drone operations on campus. All unmanned aircraft system flights require approval from the MIT Environment, Health & Safety Office and MIT Police. The policy is strictly enforced due to MIT's location in urban Boston/Cambridge. Restrictions: Strict prohibition on unauthorized flights. No flights over campus buildings or Charles River campus areas. Dense urban campus creates additional safety and security concerns. | Yes | MIT Environment, Health & Safety Office — ehs@mit.edu |
| Harvard University | Harvard prohibits unauthorized drone operations on all university property. All flights require approval from the Harvard University Police Department and Environmental Health & Safety. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights on any Harvard property including Harvard Yard, athletic facilities, Business School campus, and all other Harvard-owned or operated properties. | Yes | Harvard University Police Department / Environmental Health & Safety |
| Boston College | Boston College prohibits unauthorized drone operations on campus and maintains strict airspace restrictions during athletic events. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights on campus. Alumni Stadium maintains a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) during football games and other major athletic events. | Yes | Boston College Police Department |
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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