New York Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
New York operates a fragmented drone regulatory system with no omnibus state statute. General criminal statutes apply to drone operations statewide, with additional restrictions on state parks and wilderness areas. New York City imposes the most restrictive regulations in the country, effectively banning civilian drone takeoff and landing without an NYPD permit and commercial liability insurance. Commercial operators need FAA Part 107 but no separate state license.
State Drone Laws
NY Penal Law § 250.45Unlawful Surveillance
Makes it unlawful to use an imaging device (including drones) to record a person dressing, undressing, or engaged in intimate conduct in a place where the subject has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without consent.
NY Penal Law § 240.20Disorderly Conduct
Prohibits causing public alarm, inconvenience, or annoyance, including through creating hazardous or physically offensive conditions by acts serving no legitimate purpose. Commonly applied to unauthorized drone operations and low-altitude flights.
NY Penal Law § 240.26Harassment in the Second Degree
Prohibits following or engaging in a course of conduct that alarms or annoys another person with no legitimate purpose. Applied in drone-based harassment cases against neighbors and public figures.
NY Penal Law § 240.30Aggravated Harassment
Prohibits communicating in a manner likely to cause alarm. Charged in drone-surveillance cases involving neighbors.
NY Penal Law § 120.20Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree
Prohibits conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury. Applies to drone flights that endanger people or property.
NY Penal Law § 120.25Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree
Prohibits conduct creating grave risk of death with depraved indifference. Applies when drone operations create extreme danger of death or serious injury.
OPRHP Policy OPR-PCD-018New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation — Drone Policy
Prohibits launch, landing, and operation of unmanned aircraft on any New York State park or historic site unless the operator obtains prior written permission from the regional OPRHP director. Permit decisions are case-by-case with no standardized public application process.
6 NYCRR § 190.8Department of Environmental Conservation — Wilderness Area Drone Ban
Prohibits the launch, landing, and operation of unmanned aircraft on lands classified as Wilderness, Primitive, or Canoe areas within the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. Affects over 1 million acres. Wild Forest and Intensive Use classifications are less restrictive.
6 NYCRR § 180.3 and Environmental Conservation Law § 11-0923Prohibition on Using Aircraft to Hunt Wildlife
Prohibits using aircraft, including drones, to hunt, locate, drive, or take wildlife. Narrow carve-out for recovery of already-harvested game, handled case-by-case.
Chapter 55 of 2026 Laws (S09005/A10005) — Part DUnlawful Use of Drone and State Drone Procurement
Establishes crimes related to unlawful use of a drone. Establishes 'the New York state blue list' requiring the state, its agencies, and political subdivisions to only procure drones and drone mitigation technology from approved vendors on the registry.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
New York City
cityNYC Administrative Code § 10-126(b) — Aircraft Takeoff/Landing Prohibition
Prohibits any person from taking off or landing an aircraft (including drones/UAS) within city limits except at airports and places of landing designated by the Department of Transportation or Port Authority. Effectively bans most civilian drone operations without an NYPD permit.
Restrictions
No drone takeoff or landing within NYC city limits without authorization. Exceptions: three designated model aircraft fields (Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Calvert Vaux Park, LaTourette Park) for recreational use. Commercial and filmed productions require NYPD drone permit.
New York City
city1 RCNY § 1-05(g) — NYC Parks Model Aircraft Restriction
Prohibits operation of model aircraft and similar apparatus in New York City parks except in areas designated by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Only three parks are designated for model aircraft: Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens), Calvert Vaux Park (Brooklyn), and LaTourette Park (Staten Island).
Restrictions
No drone flights in any NYC parks outside designated areas. Central Park, Prospect Park, Battery Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and all other city parks are off-limits without NYPD permit.
City of Syracuse
citySyracuse Municipal Ordinance — Government Drone Use Ban
Ordinance banning the use of drones by city government employees and officials until adequate federal and state laws are enacted protecting First and Fourth Amendment rights of citizens with respect to government use of drones.
Restrictions
City of Syracuse government agencies prohibited from drone use until privacy protections are enacted. Does not restrict private civilian drone operations, but reflects municipal concerns about government surveillance.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful surveillance via drone (NY PL § 250.45) | Class E Felony | Up to $5,000 | Up to 4 years | New York State Police / Local Law Enforcement / District Attorney | Applies to recording persons in private places where reasonable expectation of privacy exists |
| Reckless endangerment 1st degree via drone (NY PL § 120.25) | Class D Felony | Varies | Up to 7 years | Local Law Enforcement / District Attorney | Applied when drone conduct creates grave risk of death with depraved indifference |
| Reckless endangerment 2nd degree via drone (NY PL § 120.20) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement / District Attorney | Applied when drone flight creates substantial risk of serious physical injury |
| Disorderly conduct via drone (NY PL § 240.20) | Violation | Up to $250 | Up to 15 days | Local Law Enforcement | Commonly charged for low-altitude flights, crashes, or flights creating public alarm |
| Harassment in the second degree via drone (NY PL § 240.26) | Violation | Up to $250 | Up to 15 days | Local Law Enforcement | Applied to drone-based harassment of neighbors or public figures |
| Aggravated harassment via drone (NY PL § 240.30) | Violation/Misdemeanor | Varies by circumstances | Varies | Local Law Enforcement | Applied in drone-surveillance harassment cases |
| Aircraft takeoff/landing without authorization in NYC (§ 10-126(b)) | Misdemeanor | $250 to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | NYPD / NYC District Attorney | Drone confiscation is standard. No recreational exemption without permit or designated field access |
| Drone operation in NYC park outside designated area (1 RCNY § 1-05(g)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 90 days | NYPD Parks Enforcement | Only Flushing Meadows, Calvert Vaux, and LaTourette Parks are designated |
| Drone operation in state park without permit (OPRHP OPR-PCD-018) | Agency Administrative Violation | Varies | None | OPRHP Park Police / Park Managers | Permit denial is discretionary; permits are case-by-case with no standard public process |
| Drone operation in Wilderness/Primitive/Canoe area (6 NYCRR § 190.8) | ECL Violation | Up to $250 per violation | Up to 15 days per violation | DEC Environmental Conservation Officers | Applies to over 1 million acres in Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves |
| Using drone to hunt wildlife (6 NYCRR § 180.3 / ECL § 11-0923) | ECL Violation | Up to $250 | Up to 15 days | DEC Environmental Conservation Officers | Narrow exception for recovery of already-harvested game only |
Unlawful surveillance via drone (NY PL § 250.45)
Applies to recording persons in private places where reasonable expectation of privacy exists
Reckless endangerment 1st degree via drone (NY PL § 120.25)
Applied when drone conduct creates grave risk of death with depraved indifference
Reckless endangerment 2nd degree via drone (NY PL § 120.20)
Applied when drone flight creates substantial risk of serious physical injury
Disorderly conduct via drone (NY PL § 240.20)
Commonly charged for low-altitude flights, crashes, or flights creating public alarm
Harassment in the second degree via drone (NY PL § 240.26)
Applied to drone-based harassment of neighbors or public figures
Aggravated harassment via drone (NY PL § 240.30)
Applied in drone-surveillance harassment cases
Aircraft takeoff/landing without authorization in NYC (§ 10-126(b))
Drone confiscation is standard. No recreational exemption without permit or designated field access
Drone operation in NYC park outside designated area (1 RCNY § 1-05(g))
Only Flushing Meadows, Calvert Vaux, and LaTourette Parks are designated
Drone operation in state park without permit (OPRHP OPR-PCD-018)
Permit denial is discretionary; permits are case-by-case with no standard public process
Drone operation in Wilderness/Primitive/Canoe area (6 NYCRR § 190.8)
Applies to over 1 million acres in Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves
Using drone to hunt wildlife (6 NYCRR § 180.3 / ECL § 11-0923)
Narrow exception for recovery of already-harvested game only
Registration, Fees & Taxes
New York imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- NYPD Drone Permit (NYC only) — $150 non-refundableRequired for commercial and some recreational drone operations in New York City. Minimum 30-day advance notice required. Applicant must provide FAA Part 107 certificate or TRUST completion, commercial general liability insurance, government-issued photo ID, and detailed operations plan.
New York has no separate state drone registration requirement beyond FAA registration. All drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years), but New York does not impose additional state-level registration. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements. New York City requires an NYPD drone permit ($150 non-refundable) for takeoff and landing within city limits, but this is a local operational permit, not a registration fee.
State-level: No statewide permit required for flight itself. NYC: NYPD drone permit required for takeoff/landing ($150 non-refundable). State parks: Written permit required from OPRHP regional director. Wilderness areas: Complete prohibition, no permit pathway.
New York State does not mandate insurance at the state level. New York City requires commercial general liability insurance with UAS coverage naming the City of New York as additional insured for NYPD permit holders. Coverage amounts required are high by national standards.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Certification
Commercial drone operations require FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
All commercial drone work in New York (real estate photography, infrastructure inspection, film production, etc.) requires Part 107 certification. NYC additionally requires NYPD permits. New York does not issue a separate state commercial drone license.
TRUST Recreational Certification
Free FAA test required for recreational drone flight
Recreational pilots must pass the free online TRUST test and carry proof at all times. Applies statewide. NYC designated model aircraft fields (Flushing Meadows, Calvert Vaux, LaTourette) allow recreational flight without additional permits.
FAA Registration
All drones over 250g (0.55 lbs) must be registered with FAA
$5 registration fee, valid for 3 years. Registration number must be visible on aircraft. Required statewide for all commercial and recreational operations.
Remote ID Compliance
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
All drones flown outdoors must broadcast ID, location, and altitude. Exemption: flights within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). New York has limited FRIAs; most operations require Remote ID.
Airspace Restrictions
Controlled airspace in and around New York City
Most of NYC is Class B airspace (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark control). LAANC authorization required but often unavailable or zero-altitude near Manhattan. Compliance is critical for legal flight.
Stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions
Federal TFRs around major sports venues
30 nm TFRs apply 1 hour before to 1 hour after MLB games (Yankee Stadium, Citi Field), NFL games (MetLife), US Open tennis (Arthur Ashe, September), and other Division I events at 30,000+ seat venues.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
New York 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 is available around New York State airports, but authorization altitudes in the NYC metropolitan area are extremely limited. Grid squares near JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark frequently show zero-foot ceilings, meaning no drone flights are authorized at any altitude in those zones. Authorization is more available outside the NYC metro area and around Syracuse, Buffalo, and Albany airports.
Major Airports
JFK - New York International (Class B)LGA - LaGuardia (Class B)EWR - Newark Liberty (Class B)HPN - Westchester County (Class C)TEB - Teterboro (Class C)ISP - Long Island MacArthur (Class C)SYR - Syracuse Hancock (Class C)BUF - Buffalo Niagara (Class C)ALB - Albany (Class C)
TFR Notice
Stadium TFRs apply 30 nm radius, 1 hour before to 1 hour after games at: Yankee Stadium (MLB), Citi Field (MLB), Arthur Ashe Stadium (US Open, September), MetLife Stadium (Giants/Jets NFL). UN General Assembly TFRs in September over Manhattan (30 nm radius). Federal TFRs possible over Niagara Falls (border security) and One World Trade Center area. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: National Park Service prohibition on all drone launches and landings.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
A00972 / S01096Introduced, referred to committeeProtect Our Privacy (POP) Act
Would establish limitations on law enforcement drone use and prohibit police drone deployment at concerts, protests, demonstrations, and other First Amendment-protected activities. Protects citizens' rights to peaceful assembly.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S00694 / A00615Referred to committee, amendedCorrectional Facility Drone Prohibition
Would prohibit civilian drone use within 500 feet of correctional facilities except when authorized by FAA. Addresses smuggling of contraband via drone into prisons.
Last action: January 7, 2026
A07208Introduced, referred to governmental operationsStatewide Drone Use Limitations
Broad bill to impose limitations on drone use within the state. Details vague pending full bill text.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S06340Introduced, referred to codes committeeUnlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree by Drone
Would create a new crime of 'unlawful surveillance in the second degree' specifically for drone-based surveillance, building on existing Penal Law § 250.45.
Last action: January 7, 2026
A02065Referred to codes committee, held for considerationCritical Infrastructure Drone Prohibition
Would make it a Class E felony to operate a model or unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure facilities including electrical power generating facilities, petroleum/natural gas refineries, and aboveground oil/gas/chemical pipelines. 500-foot buffer implied.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S04839 / A04944Referred to codes committeeSchool Grounds and Critical Infrastructure Protection
Would prohibit the operation of uncrewed aircraft, including drones, over school grounds and critical infrastructure facilities with penalties for violations.
Last action: January 7, 2026
A00260 / S03273Referred to transportation committeeGeneral UAS Regulation Act
Comprehensive bill to regulate use of unmanned aircrafts in the state, defining terms, authorizing permitted uses, and restricting prohibited uses. This could be New York's first omnibus drone statute if enacted.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S03542 / A01109Referred to environmental conservation committeeHunting with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Prohibition
Would prohibit the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to search for, scout, locate, hunt, detect, or otherwise aid in the taking of wildlife subject to hunting seasons. Complements existing ECL § 11-0923.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S06305Introduced, referred to codes committeeRemotely Piloted Aircraft Unlawful Use
Would relate to the unlawful use of a remotely piloted aircraft, defining such aircraft as devices used for flight in the air operated remotely without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S09156 / A11069Referred to insurance committeeAerial Imagery for Homeowners Insurance
Would impose requirements on the use of aerial images (from drones or aircraft) for homeowners insurance purposes, including notice to the insured and an appeals process.
Last action: February 9, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York University | NYU prohibits all unauthorized drone operations on university property across its Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Abu Dhabi campuses. Given NYU's location in New York City, NYC Administrative Code § 10-126 effectively bans drone takeoff and landing within city limits anyway, making campus flights impossible without NYPD permits. Restrictions: No unauthorized drone flights on any NYU campus property. NYC airspace restrictions apply. No flights over campus buildings, dormitories, or crowds. | Yes | NYU Department of Public Safety — publicsafety@nyu.edu |
| Columbia University | Columbia University prohibits unauthorized drone flights on all campus properties including Morningside Heights campus (Manhattan), Manhattanville campus (Manhattan), and Medical Center campus (Washington Heights). NYC drone restrictions apply to all campuses. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights on campus. NYC Administrative Code § 10-126 and airspace restrictions apply. No flights over buildings, quadrangles, or crowds. | Yes | Columbia University Public Safety |
| SUNY University at Buffalo | University at Buffalo requires approval from the Office of Environment, Health & Safety for all drone operations on the North and South campuses. Stadium TFR applies during athletic events at UB Stadium. Restrictions: EHS approval required in advance. No flights over occupied buildings or research facilities. Stadium area restricted during events. UB Stadium hosts Division I athletics with federal TFR coverage. | Yes | Office of Environment, Health & Safety — (716) 645-2567 |
| SUNY Stony Brook University | Stony Brook University requires all drone operations on campus to be coordinated with the Environmental Health & Safety department and university police. The policy is part of the university's comprehensive occupational safety program. Restrictions: EHS coordination required before any flight. No flights over research facilities, medical center, or occupied areas. Campus police must be notified. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — (631) 632-6410 |
| Cornell University | Cornell University requires all UAS operations on university property to be approved by Environmental Health & Safety. The university has active drone research programs through the College of Engineering and permits designated flight areas for research and academic purposes. Restrictions: EHS approval required. No flights over Schoellkopf Field during athletic events. No flights over residential areas. Research areas have designated flight zones. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@cornell.edu |
| Syracuse University | Syracuse University requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Department of Public Safety. JMA Wireless Dome events trigger airspace restrictions. The university hosts Division I athletics. Restrictions: Public Safety approval required. Stadium area restricted during events. No flights over research facilities or occupied buildings. | Yes | Department of Public Safety — (315) 443-2222 |
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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