Oregon Drone Laws

Law enforcement agencies may not operate drones or acquire information through drone operations except under specified circumstances: with a written warrant (maximum 30 days), exigent circumstances, written consent, training purposes, or search and rescue during declared emergencies.

Law enforcement may operate drones with a warrant specifying the period of use (not exceeding 30 days, renewable with good cause) or when probable cause exists that a person has committed or is about to commit a crime and exigent circumstances make obtaining a warrant unreasonable.

Law enforcement may operate drones to acquire information about an individual or property if the individual has given written consent for such purposes.

Law enforcement may operate drones for search and rescue activities, assisting individuals in emergencies, and during declared states of emergency without warrant requirement.

Law enforcement may operate drones for reconstruction of crime scenes or accident scenes, or similar physical assessment related to a specific criminal investigation.

Law enforcement may operate drones for training purposes without warrant or other authorization.

Public bodies must register all unmanned aircraft systems with the Oregon Department of Aviation before operation. Registration must include owner identification, operator names and contact information, and aircraft identifying information. Public bodies must file annual reports on UAS usage frequency and purposes.

It is unlawful to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly operate a drone capable of firing a bullet or projectile or otherwise functioning as a dangerous weapon. Exemptions exist for nonlethal projectiles used for non-recreational purposes with prior notification to authorities, FAA-authorized operations, and commercial operations with $1 million liability insurance.

Prohibited to operate a drone over private property in a manner so as to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harass or annoy the owner or occupant of the premises. Court may prohibit the defendant from possessing any unmanned aircraft system.

It is unlawful to intentionally or knowingly operate a drone over a critical infrastructure facility (including power plants, refineries, water treatment facilities, chemical plants, dams, telecommunications offices, railroads, ports, and correctional facilities) at altitudes below 400 feet AGL, or to allow the drone to contact the facility. Exemptions for federal government, infrastructure owners, contractors with authorization, and FAA Part 107 commercial operators with proper authorization.

It is unlawful to intentionally interfere with, or gain unauthorized control over, an FAA-licensed drone, Armed Forces drone, or drone operated by any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency.

Property owners may recover treble damages (three times actual damages) if a drone is flown over their property on multiple occasions after the owner has notified the operator not to do so. Courts may issue injunctions prohibiting future flights. Exceptions for drones taking off or landing and drones in lawful airport flight paths.

The authority to regulate the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft systems is vested solely in the Oregon Legislative Assembly. Local governments may not enact ordinances or resolutions regulating UAS ownership or operation unless expressly authorized by state statute.

It is unlawful to intentionally cause a drone to fire a bullet or projectile at an aircraft in flight, direct a laser at an aircraft in flight, or crash into an aircraft in flight. Also unlawful to intentionally interfere with or gain unauthorized control over an FAA-licensed drone or government UAS.

Prohibited to use drones for angling, hunting, or trapping, or to aid such activities by harassing, tracking, locating, or scouting wildlife. Also prohibited to use drones to interfere with lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping activities by others.

Enacted following the Eagle Creek Fire incident (2017) and repeated 2020 wildfire season drone interference. Intentional interference with emergency operations (e.g., wildfire suppression, disaster response) is a Class C felony. Unintentional interference is a Class B misdemeanor. Law was prompted by drone incursions that grounded firefighting aircraft.

Drone Use in State Parks

Drones are generally permitted in Oregon state parks subject to manager discretion and restrictions.

Ban on Drone Use in Metro Parks

Comprehensive ban on drone operations within Oregon Metro Parks boundaries.

Special Use Permit Required for Drone Operations

Drone use in Lane County Parks requires advance approval through Special Use Permit process.

Recreational Drone Prohibition in City Parks

Recreational drone operations prohibited in Portland parks except in areas specifically designated by Parks Director.

No Public Restrictions on Recreational Drone Use

City of Eugene does not impose public restrictions on recreational drone operations.

Drone Operations at Port Properties

Recreational drone operations prohibited; commercial and public operations require Port authorization.

Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Operations

Comprehensive prohibition on unmanned aircraft flight unless specifically authorized.