Oregon Drone Laws

Establishes law enforcement drone use requirements including warrant requirements (capped at 30 days), exceptions for search and rescue and training, and requires public bodies to register drones with the Oregon Department of Aviation. Establishes civil penalties for damage to drones and restricts data retention and use.

Prohibits operating a drone at 400 feet AGL or lower over critical infrastructure facilities (petroleum refineries, power plants, chemical manufacturing, water treatment, natural gas facilities, LNG terminals, telecom offices, ports, gas processing plants, transmission facilities, steelmaking facilities, dams, pipelines, correctional and law enforcement facilities). Makes operating a weaponized UAS a Class A misdemeanor. Requires public bodies to establish policies and procedures for data retention.

Establishes registration requirements and fee structure for unmanned aircraft systems operated by public bodies with the Oregon Department of Aviation. Requires registration information including operator names, aircraft identifiers, and annual reports on usage.

Prohibits operating a drone over private property in a manner that intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harasses or annoys the property owner or occupant. Escalates penalties based on prior convictions. Allows law enforcement to use drones for accident and crime scene reconstruction. Court may prohibit drone possession as probation condition.

Restricts law enforcement use of drones to cases where: (1) a warrant is obtained (maximum 30 days per warrant), (2) exigent circumstances exist, (3) written consent from property owner, (4) training purposes, or (5) search and rescue or emergency assistance. Requires data retention policies and procedures. Prohibits disclosure of data without proper authorization.

Requires public bodies (government agencies and educational institutions) to register drones with the Oregon Department of Aviation. Registry requires name of public body, operator contact information, and aircraft identifiers. Annual reports required summarizing frequency and purposes of use.

Prohibits intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly operating a drone capable of firing a bullet or projectile, or functioning as a dangerous weapon. Exemptions exist for authorized FAA nonrecreational uses, nonlethal projectiles for non-injury purposes, operations with proper notification to public agencies, and operations with $1 million minimum liability insurance.

Prohibits operating a drone over private property boundaries in a manner that intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harasses or annoys the owner or occupant. Establishes civil remedy allowing property owners to sue for treble damages (triple actual damages) after notifying the operator not to fly over their property.

Prohibits intentionally or knowingly operating a drone at 400 feet AGL or lower over fenced or posted critical infrastructure facilities. Facilities include refineries, power plants, chemical/polymer/rubber manufacturing, water treatment/intake/wastewater, gas compressor stations, LNG terminals, telecom offices, ports, railroads, trucking terminals, gas processing plants, transmission facilities, steelmaking facilities, dams, pipelines, and correctional/law enforcement facilities.

Prohibits recklessly or intentionally causing a drone to direct lasers at aircraft, crash into aircraft, prevent aircraft takeoff/landing, or interfere with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations. Three-tier offense structure: reckless conduct is Class A violation (up to $2,000); knowing/intentional conduct is Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year and $6,250); if death or serious physical injury results, Class A felony (up to 20 years and $375,000). Repeat convictions result in mandatory drone forfeiture.

Establishes civil liability for anyone who intentionally interferes with or gains unauthorized control over an FAA-licensed drone, U.S. military drone, or federal/state/local law enforcement drone. Provides civil remedy to drone owner for damages plus attorney fees.

Establishes civil remedy allowing property owners to recover treble damages (triple actual damages) plus attorney fees if a drone operator flies over their property after being notified not to. Exception for drones in lawful airport flight paths. Attorney General has parallel authority to bring nuisance/trespass actions and recover attorney fees.

Establishes that except as expressly authorized by state statute, authority to regulate UAS ownership or operation is vested solely in the Legislative Assembly. Bars local governments from regulating UAS ownership or operation except under the narrow carve-out in ORS 837.387.

Allows local governments to regulate takeoff and landing of drones on publicly owned parks. Exception to state preemption in ORS 837.385. Local governments cannot regulate airspace, which remains FAA jurisdiction. Must allow utility line inspections and emergency operations on park property.

Establishes felony penalties for firing or attempting to fire a projectile at aircraft from a drone, directing laser at aircraft, or crashing into aircraft. Also establishes Class C felony for intentionally interfering with or gaining unauthorized control of FAA-licensed, military, or law enforcement drones. Class A felony for aircraft attacks (up to 20 years/$375,000); Class C felony for interference with public UAS (up to 5 years/$125,000).

Prohibits using drones to hunt, fish, trap, or aid those activities by harassing, tracking, locating, or scouting wildlife. Also prohibits interfering with persons lawfully hunting, fishing, or trapping. Oregon State Fish and Wildlife Commission implements enforcement rules. Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife enforces.

Effective May 1, 2026, prohibits drone takeoff and landing on OPRD-administered property (including ocean shore under the 1967 Beach Bill) except within designated UAS Operation Areas. Overnight facilities are prohibition zones. Operators must not disturb wildlife or sensitive habitats; if wildlife reacts, must relocate or land. Commercial, research, and non-recreational use requires permit. OPRD releasing designated park list on rolling basis. Parks currently open estimated at 1-2 per region (3-6 statewide initial).

Portland City Code § 20.12.180 - Remote Control Vehicles, Aircraft and Watercraft

Prohibits operation of drones in or over any Portland Parks & Recreation property

Oregon Metro Parks Rules and Regulations Chapter 10.03

Prohibits all drone usage within Metro Parks boundaries except in officially designated areas

Lane County Parks Special Use Permit Requirement

Requires Special Use Permit for drone operations in Lane County Parks

City of Eugene Drone Use Policy

City of Eugene does not restrict recreational drone use outside park property; no blanket prohibition

Port of Portland UAS Operations Policy

Prohibits recreational UAS operations on Port aviation, marine, industrial, and environmental properties

Sunriver Rules and Regulations Section 5.05

Prohibits unmanned aircraft flight unless authorized by SROA General Manager