New York Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
New York has no omnibus drone statute but enforces drone regulations through existing criminal statutes, agency rules, and highly restrictive local ordinances. New York City operates the most restrictive municipal drone regime in the country, requiring NYPD permits for nearly all takeoffs and landings. State parks and DEC wilderness areas impose additional restrictions; over one million acres of Adirondack and Catskill wilderness are completely off-limits to drones.
State Drone Laws
NY Penal Law § 250.45Unlawful Surveillance
Makes it a Class E felony to use an imaging device 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. Applies to drones as imaging devices.
NY Penal Law § 240.20Disorderly Conduct
Prohibits conduct that causes public alarm, inconvenience, or annoyance. Has been charged in drone cases involving crashes, drone-into-building contacts, and low flights over crowds.
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.
NY Penal Law § 240.30Aggravated Harassment
Prohibits communicating in a manner likely to cause alarm. Has been charged in drone-surveillance cases against neighbors.
NY Penal Law § 120.20Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree
Prohibits conduct creating substantial risk of serious physical injury. Applied in drone cases where an aircraft falls into a crowd or near moving vehicles.
NY Penal Law § 120.25Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree
Prohibits conduct creating grave risk of death with depraved indifference. Applies to serious drone safety violations.
6 NYCRR § 196.8 (Environmental Conservation Law § 11-0923)Prohibition of Aircraft for Hunting and Wildlife Disturbance
Prohibits using aircraft, including drones, to hunt, locate, drive, or take wildlife. Applies to all unmanned aircraft used to aid in taking game animals.
6 NYCRR Part 190 — Use of State Lands, § 190.8Prohibition of UAS in DEC Wilderness and Primitive Areas
Prohibits launch, landing, or operation of unmanned aircraft on lands classified as Wilderness, Primitive, or Canoe areas within the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves (over one million acres).
OPRHP Policy OPR-PCD-018New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Drone Policy
Requires written permission from the OPRHP regional director before any drone takeoff, landing, or operation on state parks and historic sites property. Permit pathway is case-by-case with no standardized public web form.
NYC Administrative Code § 10-126(b)Aircraft Takeoff and Landing Prohibition in NYC
Makes it unlawful for any person to take off or land an aircraft (including drones) within NYC city limits except in emergencies at places designated by the Department of Transportation or Port Authority. Drones are treated as aircraft under the federal definition.
1 RCNY § 1-05(g)NYC Parks Rule — Model Aircraft Prohibition
Prohibits use of model airplanes or similar apparatus in NYC parks except in areas designated for the purpose. Only three sites are designated for model aircraft operations.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
New York City
cityNYC Administrative Code § 10-126 — Aviation Takeoff/Landing Ban
Prohibits all aircraft, including drones, from taking off or landing within NYC city limits except at designated locations. NYPD enforces through a drone permit system.
Restrictions
No takeoff or landing without NYPD permit. Permit requires $150 fee, 30-day advance notice, commercial general liability insurance naming City as additional insured, and Part 107 certificate or TRUST completion. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or 1 year imprisonment.
New York City
city1 RCNY § 1-05(g) — NYC Parks Model Aircraft Rule
Restricts use of model airplanes and similar apparatus in city parks to designated areas only. Three model aircraft fields are authorized: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (Queens), Calvert Vaux Park (Brooklyn), and LaTourette Park (Staten Island).
Restrictions
Only three designated model aircraft fields permitted. Central Park, Prospect Park, Battery Park, Riverside Park, Van Cortlandt Park, Fort Greene, and Brooklyn Bridge Park are prohibited. Violations carry up to $1,000 fine and/or 90 days imprisonment.
City of Syracuse
citySyracuse Municipal Ordinance — City Government Drone Ban
Bans city government use of drones until adequate federal and state laws are passed regarding government drone use that protect citizens' First and Fourth Amendment rights. Does not apply to private operators.
Restrictions
City government drone use prohibited pending state and federal privacy protections.
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 state prison | County District Attorneys, state/local police | Civil liability also possible for damages |
| Disorderly conduct via drone (NY PL § 240.20) | Violation | Up to $250 | Up to 15 days | NYPD, local police | Most commonly charged drone violation in NYC |
| Harassment, second degree via drone (NY PL § 240.26) | Violation | Up to $250 | Up to 15 days | Local law enforcement | Drone-based neighbor harassment cases |
| Reckless endangerment, second degree (NY PL § 120.20) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | NYPD, county prosecutors | Used in cases where drones fall into crowds or near vehicles |
| Reckless endangerment, first degree (NY PL § 120.25) | Class D Felony | Varies | Up to 7 years state prison | County District Attorneys | Grave risk of death scenarios |
| Aircraft takeoff/landing in NYC without permit (NYC Admin Code § 10-126(b)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | NYPD | Drone confiscation possible. Most commonly enforced NYC drone violation |
| Drone operation in NYC parks outside designated areas (1 RCNY § 1-05(g)) | Violation | Up to $1,000 | Up to 90 days | NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol, NYPD | Only three parks designated for model aircraft |
| DEC Wilderness/Primitive area drone flight (6 NYCRR § 190.8) | Environmental Conservation Law violation | Up to $250 per violation | Up to 15 days per violation | DEC Environmental Conservation Officers | Applies to over one million acres in Adirondack and Catskill preserves |
| Hunting with drone aid (6 NYCRR § 196.8, ECL § 11-0923) | Environmental Conservation Law violation | Variable | Variable | DEC Environmental Conservation Officers | Covers use of drones to hunt, locate, or aid in taking wildlife |
| State park drone flight without OPRHP permission (OPR-PCD-018) | Agency citation | Varies | Typically appearance ticket | OPRHP park police and park managers | Case-by-case enforcement; no standardized penalty schedule |
Unlawful surveillance via drone (NY PL § 250.45)
Civil liability also possible for damages
Disorderly conduct via drone (NY PL § 240.20)
Most commonly charged drone violation in NYC
Harassment, second degree via drone (NY PL § 240.26)
Drone-based neighbor harassment cases
Reckless endangerment, second degree (NY PL § 120.20)
Used in cases where drones fall into crowds or near vehicles
Reckless endangerment, first degree (NY PL § 120.25)
Grave risk of death scenarios
Aircraft takeoff/landing in NYC without permit (NYC Admin Code § 10-126(b))
Drone confiscation possible. Most commonly enforced NYC drone violation
Drone operation in NYC parks outside designated areas (1 RCNY § 1-05(g))
Only three parks designated for model aircraft
DEC Wilderness/Primitive area drone flight (6 NYCRR § 190.8)
Applies to over one million acres in Adirondack and Catskill preserves
Hunting with drone aid (6 NYCRR § 196.8, ECL § 11-0923)
Covers use of drones to hunt, locate, or aid in taking wildlife
State park drone flight without OPRHP permission (OPR-PCD-018)
Case-by-case enforcement; no standardized penalty schedule
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Required
New York does not require separate state drone registration. Federal FAA registration ($5 per drone over 0.55 lbs, renews every 3 years) is the only registration requirement. Commercial operators must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational operators must pass the free TRUST test.
NYC requires an NYPD drone permit ($150 non-refundable application fee, 30-day minimum lead time) for takeoff and landing anywhere in the five boroughs except at three designated model aircraft fields. State parks require written OPRHP permit before any flight. DEC wilderness areas require separate approval. Upstate municipalities may have additional park-specific permit requirements.
NYC NYPD permit requires commercial general liability insurance with UAS coverage, with the City of New York named as additional insured. Coverage amounts are high by comparison to most jurisdictions. Commercial operators statewide typically require $1 million in drone liability coverage.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
All commercial drone operations in New York require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Commercial operators must pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test ($175 fee) and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate valid for 24 months. This is a federal baseline that applies everywhere in the US. New York adds no separate state commercial licensing requirement, but NYC NYPD permits require proof of Part 107 certification.
TRUST Recreational Certification
All recreational drone fliers in New York must complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test
Free, online, one-time test required for any non-commercial flight. Certificate must be carried during flight operations. Federal requirement identical across all 50 states.
FAA Registration
All drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA
$5 registration fee per drone, valid for 3 years. Registration number must be visible on the aircraft. No separate New York state registration required. Federal requirement.
Remote ID Mandate
All drones must broadcast Remote ID, location, and altitude via FCC-approved broadcast since March 16, 2024
Mandatory federal requirement. Exceptions exist for operations inside FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). New York has a handful of FRIAs, updated periodically at faa.gov.
Altitude Limit
400 feet AGL (above ground level) is the federal ceiling for all drones
Higher altitude flights require a Part 107 waiver from the FAA. New York enforces this as the baseline.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Drones must remain in visual line of sight at all times by default
Daylight or civil twilight operations only unless a waiver is obtained. Night flights and BVLOS require FAA waivers.
LAANC and Controlled Airspace
LAANC authorization required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface-E airspace
New York City and much of Long Island sit inside Class B airspace controlled by JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. LAANC is mandatory. Large portions of Manhattan show zero-foot authorization on the FAA UAS Facility Maps, requiring DroneZone waivers.
Stadium TFRs
Federal stadium TFRs under 14 CFR § 99.7 apply to MLB, NFL, and NCAA Division I events
30,000-seat-plus venues have a 3 NM TFR active from 1 hour before to 1 hour after the event. In New York, applies to Yankee Stadium, Citi Field (Mets), MetLife Stadium (Giants/Jets), and Arthur Ashe Stadium (US Open).
Part 108 Advanced Operations (Future)
FAA is developing Part 108 rules for expanded drone operations beyond visual line of sight
Not yet finalized but expected to enable BVLOS cargo delivery, infrastructure inspection, and other advanced operations. New York may adopt complementary state rules once Part 108 becomes effective.
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 major NY airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Syracuse Hancock, Buffalo Niagara, Albany). However, authorization altitudes are extremely limited in NYC metro area, with many grid squares near Manhattan showing zero-foot ceilings where LAANC returns no automatic approval and a DroneZone waiver is required.
Major Airports
JFK — John F. Kennedy International AirportLGA — LaGuardia AirportEWR — Newark Liberty International AirportHPN — Westchester County AirportTEB — Teterboro AirportISP — Long Island MacArthur AirportSYR — Syracuse Hancock International AirportBUF — Buffalo Niagara International AirportALB — Albany International Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common over: United Nations headquarters during General Assembly (30-mile radius, September); Yankee Stadium and Citi Field during MLB games; Arthur Ashe Stadium during US Open tennis; MetLife Stadium during Giants and Jets games (30 nm radius, 1 hour before to 1 hour after); Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (NPS prohibition, no-fly); One World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial (de facto no-fly); periodic TFRs over Niagara Falls during peak seasons and special events; federal border-security overlays near US-Canada border.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
US Open Tennis Tournament Drone Crash
enforcementDaniel Verley, a 26-year-old NYC science teacher, crashed a drone into the stands at the US Open tennis tournament at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens while attempting to photograph the Unisphere. He was charged with reckless endangerment and operating a drone in a NYC park outside a designated area. Outcome: 5 days community service with charges dismissed after 6 months of law-abiding behavior.
Hearst Tower Drone Collision
enforcementA man flying a quadcopter near 57th Street and Eighth Avenue clipped the side of the Hearst Tower at Columbus Circle, and the drone fell toward the sidewalk below. He was arrested and charged under NYC Admin Code § 10-126 and disorderly conduct statute. This became an early test case for NYC's prosecution of drone incidents.
Late-2024 NJ/NY Drone Sightings
enforcementThousands of reports flooded in about unexplained drone sightings over New Jersey and New York. FAA, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security investigated over 5,000 reports. Most turned out to be commercial or hobbyist drones, conventional aircraft, or stars misidentified as drones. FAA imposed temporary flight restrictions over roughly 30 NY and NJ communities. Incident increased public pressure on Albany to pass omnibus state drone legislation.
Pending Legislation
A00972 / S01096In Committee (referred to Codes/Governmental Operations)Protect Our Privacy (POP) Act
Would establish limitations on law enforcement drone use. Specifically prohibits NYPD and other law enforcement agencies from operating drones at concerts, protests, demonstrations, or other actions protected by the First Amendment. Addresses civil liberties concerns about expanded police drone deployment.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S00694 / A00615In Committee (referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction / Correction)Correctional Facility Drone Buffer Zone
Would prohibit civilian drone use within 500 feet of a correctional facility except when authorized by the FAA. Amended as Print Number 694A and 615A. Creates a security perimeter around state prisons and local jails.
Last action: January 7, 2026
A07208In Committee (referred to Governmental Operations)General Drone Use Limitations
A broadly-worded bill that would impose unspecified limitations on drone use within the state. Limited detail in the bill text, but represents legislative interest in new statewide drone restrictions.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S06340In Committee (referred to Codes)Unlawful Surveillance by Drone — Second Degree
Would create a new offense of unlawful surveillance in the second degree specifically for drone-based surveillance. Enhances penalties for privacy violations committed via unmanned aircraft.
Last action: January 7, 2026
A02065In Committee (referred to Codes, held for consideration)Critical 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 or natural gas refinery or stage facilities, and aboveground oil, gas, or chemical pipelines. Creates specific drone restrictions around vital infrastructure.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S03542 / A01109In Committee (referred to Environmental Conservation)Hunting with Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition
Would prohibit the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to search for, scout, locate, hunt, detect, or otherwise aid in the taking of a wild animal to which the hunting season applies. Reinforces existing DEC regulations with specific statutory language.
Last action: January 7, 2026
A00260 / S03273In Committee (referred to Transportation)Comprehensive Unmanned Aircraft Regulation
Would comprehensively regulate the use of unmanned aircraft in New York state, including definitions, authorized uses, and restrictions. Appears to be the most significant pending omnibus drone bill. Has 100% relevance score on LegiScan.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S04839 / A04944In Committee (referred to Codes)School Grounds and Critical Infrastructure Drone Prohibition
Would prohibit the operation of uncrewed aircraft, including drones, over school grounds or critical infrastructure. Provides penalties for violations. Combines school safety and critical infrastructure protections in a single bill.
Last action: February 9, 2026
S06305In Committee (referred to Codes)Unlawful Use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Would relate to the unlawful use of remotely piloted aircraft and define such devices as apparatus used for flight in the air operated remotely without possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S09156In Committee (referred to Insurance)Aerial Imagery for Insurance Purposes
Would impose certain requirements for the use of aerial images of an insured property for homeowners' insurance purposes, including notice to property owners and appeals process. Addresses insurer use of drone imagery.
Last action: February 9, 2026
A00558 / S02300In Committee (referred to Transportation)General Aviation Aircraft Registration
Would require registration of general aviation aircraft used for civil aviation with issuance of certificates of registration and proof of insurance requirements. May include or reference unmanned aircraft.
Last action: January 7, 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. Dense urban NYC location creates significant safety and legal restrictions under both NYC Admin Code § 10-126 and FAA rules. Restrictions: Strict prohibition on unauthorized flights. NYC Admin Code § 10-126 takeoff/landing ban applies. No flights over campus buildings, quadrangles, or residential areas. | Yes | NYU Department of Public Safety — publicsafety@nyu.edu |
| Columbia University | Columbia prohibits unauthorized drone flights on all campus properties including Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, and Medical Center campuses. NYC airspace restrictions and Admin Code § 10-126 apply to all Columbia properties in Manhattan. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights. NYC airspace restrictions and Admin Code § 10-126 enforced. No flights over campus buildings or quadrangles. NYPD drone permit required for approved operations. | Yes | Columbia Public Safety |
| SUNY University at Buffalo | UB requires approval from the Office of Environment, Health & Safety for all drone operations on the North and South campuses. UB Stadium (Riki Stadium) TFR applies during athletic events. Mixed rural and urban location allows some designated flight areas. Restrictions: EHS approval required for all flights. Stadium TFR during athletic events. No flights over occupied buildings, research facilities, or medical center areas. Class C airspace through parts of Erie County; LAANC authorization required. | Yes | Office of Environment, Health & Safety |
| SUNY Stony Brook University | Stony Brook requires all drone operations to be coordinated with the Environmental Health & Safety department and university police. Rural Long Island location allows designated flight areas for approved research and academic purposes. Restrictions: EHS coordination and university police approval required. No flights over research facilities, medical center, or student housing. Designated research flight areas available by permit. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety — (631) 632-6410 |
| Cornell University | Cornell 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. Rural Ithaca location permits research and academic flights. Restrictions: EHS approval required for all flights. Stadium TFR at Schoellkopf Field during athletic events. No flights over academic buildings, dormitories, or research facilities without specific authorization. Research flights permitted in designated areas. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety |
| Syracuse University | Syracuse requires drone operations on campus to be approved by the Department of Public Safety. JMA Wireless Dome (formerly Carrier Dome) triggers airspace restrictions during athletic events and large gatherings. Restrictions: Public Safety approval required for all flights. Dome area restricted during events. No flights over residence halls, academic buildings, or medical facilities without authorization. | Yes | Department of 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.
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