Utah Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Utah maintains a moderate regulatory stance with targeted drone restrictions focused on criminal misuse, wildfire protection, and law enforcement oversight. The state has pre-empted all local drone ordinances under SB 111 (2017), creating uniform statewide rules. Utah is notable for one of the nation's most aggressive wildfire drone penalty systems and a unique state commercial drone registration requirement effective January 1, 2025.
State Drone Laws
HB 217Livestock Harassment by Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly chasing, actively disturbing, or harming livestock through the use of UAS.
SB 111Unmanned Aircraft Amendments
Comprehensive UAS law that pre-empts local drone regulation, exempts UAS from state aircraft registration, establishes law enforcement authorization requirements, criminalizes weapons-equipped drones, modifies criminal trespass and voyeurism statutes to include drones, and creates official record-keeping requirements for law enforcement drone use.
HB 296Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Permits law enforcement agencies to use UAS to collect data at testing sites and to locate lost or missing persons in areas where individuals have no reasonable expectation of privacy.
SB 167Law Enforcement Unmanned Aircraft Data Protection
Regulates use of UAS by state government entities, requiring law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant or other authorization before gathering, storing, or using data from UAS. Establishes mandatory record-keeping of drone deployments and data usage.
SB 196Law Enforcement Unmanned Aircraft Privacy Requirement
Requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using drones in a place where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Utah Code 72-14-301/302Criminal Trespass with Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits operating a UAS in trespass manner with intent to annoy, injure, or cause fear to a person or property. Includes entering and remaining unlawfully over property with specified intent.
Utah Code 72-14-303Operating Unmanned Aircraft with Weapon Attached
Prohibits flying a UAS carrying or with a weapon attached. Exceptions for FAA-approved operations, government contracts, and Department of Defense operations.
Utah Code 72-14-304Dropping Items into Correctional Facility via Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits using UAS to drop items into a correctional facility.
Utah Code 72-14-403Harassment of Livestock with Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits intentionally chasing, actively disturbing, or harming livestock using a UAS.
Utah Code 76-6-2-206(2)(A)Operating Unmanned Aircraft Over Private Property
Prohibits operating a drone over private property that is not open to the public unless the operator is authorized by the property owner.
Utah Code 65A-3-2.5Wildland Fire and Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits operation of UAS within areas under temporary flight restrictions due to wildland fire or designated wildland fire scenes without incident commander permission. Establishes tiered penalty system based on consequences of violation, from class B misdemeanor to second-degree felony. Authorizes incident commanders to disable, destroy, or take control of civilian drones. Violations can incur restitution for damages, firefighting costs, and loss of fire retardant.
Utah Administrative Code R651-614-3Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in State Parks
Requires written permission from park manager before operating UAS within Utah state park system. Different parks have varying restrictions and permit fees.
SB 24 (2023)Commercial Unmanned Aerial System Registration
Establishes state-level commercial UAS registration requirement administered by UDOT Division of Aeronautics. Commercial drone operators must register with the state in addition to FAA registration. Fee structure set by UDOT.
SB 135 (2024)Advanced Air Mobility and Aeronautics Amendments
Restricts Utah government entities from using drones made by covered foreign entities (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea - includes DJI and Autel) for critical infrastructure inspections. Government agencies may use restricted drones if aircraft is disconnected from internet during inspection, data is removed before reconnecting, and only NDAA-authorized or US-developed software is used. Does not restrict private or commercial operators.
SB 195 (2025)Transportation Amendments (State Drone Registration)
Updates UDOT Division of Aeronautics authority and framework for state commercial UAS registration program established under SB-24 (2023).
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating UAS with weapon attached (72-14-303) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Utah State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Exceptions for FAA-approved operations and government contracts |
| Criminal trespass with UAS (72-14-301/302) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Requires intent to annoy, injure, or cause fear |
| Harassing livestock with drone - first offense (72-14-403 / HB 217) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Utah Department of Agriculture / Local Law Enforcement | Escalates to Class A misdemeanor on repeat or if livestock killed |
| Harassing livestock with drone - repeat offense or livestock killed (72-14-403) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Utah Department of Agriculture / Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced penalty for repeat violations or serious injury/death to livestock |
| Operating UAS in wildfire zone without incident commander permission (65A-3-2.5) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 6 months | Incident Commander / Fire Agency / Local Law Enforcement | Escalates based on consequences; restitution for costs and damages also applies |
| UAS operation causes firefighting aircraft to divert (65A-3-2.5) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Incident Commander / Fire Agency | Includes restitution for missed drops and operational costs |
| UAS contacts firefighting aircraft (65A-3-2.5) | Third-Degree Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | Incident Commander / Fire Agency / State Police | Includes restitution for damages and costs |
| UAS proximate cause of manned aircraft collision (65A-3-2.5) | Second-Degree Felony | Up to $15,000 | 1 to 15 years | State Police / Federal Aviation Administration | Highest penalty tier for wildfire drone incidents; includes full restitution |
| Dropping items into correctional facility via UAS (72-14-304) | Third-Degree Felony | Up to $5,000 | Up to 5 years | Utah Department of Corrections / State Police | Serious facility security violation |
Operating UAS with weapon attached (72-14-303)
Exceptions for FAA-approved operations and government contracts
Criminal trespass with UAS (72-14-301/302)
Requires intent to annoy, injure, or cause fear
Harassing livestock with drone - first offense (72-14-403 / HB 217)
Escalates to Class A misdemeanor on repeat or if livestock killed
Harassing livestock with drone - repeat offense or livestock killed (72-14-403)
Enhanced penalty for repeat violations or serious injury/death to livestock
Operating UAS in wildfire zone without incident commander permission (65A-3-2.5)
Escalates based on consequences; restitution for costs and damages also applies
UAS operation causes firefighting aircraft to divert (65A-3-2.5)
Includes restitution for missed drops and operational costs
UAS contacts firefighting aircraft (65A-3-2.5)
Includes restitution for damages and costs
UAS proximate cause of manned aircraft collision (65A-3-2.5)
Highest penalty tier for wildfire drone incidents; includes full restitution
Dropping items into correctional facility via UAS (72-14-304)
Serious facility security violation
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Not Required
All drones over 250g require FAA registration ($5 for 3 years). As of January 1, 2025, commercial UAS operators must also register with the UDOT Division of Aeronautics for state-level registration. Recreational-only pilots require only FAA registration, not state registration.
State parks require permits (fees vary by park, typically $10-$30/day). Commercial use in state parks requires Special Use Permit. Many parks have seasonal restrictions or complete closures.
Insurance is not mandated by Utah state law but is strongly recommended for commercial operations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
All commercial drone operators in Utah must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate in addition to state registration.
Part 107 requires passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Operators must maintain proficiency, follow airspace rules, and respect visual line-of-sight limitations. Part 107 operations can fly over people and at night (with waivers) but still subject to altitude restrictions (400 feet AGL) and airspace authorizations.
Recreational TRUST Test
All recreational drone pilots in Utah must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying.
TRUST is a free online test administered through multiple FAA-approved providers. Completion certifications must be carried when flying. Test covers safety, airspace awareness, and regulatory requirements. Required for all recreational flyers regardless of drone weight.
Remote ID Compliance
All registered drones in Utah must broadcast Remote ID information as of March 2024.
Remote ID enables FAA tracking and identification of drone operators. Standard Remote ID, Network Remote ID, and retrofitted solutions are approved. Non-compliance with Remote ID requirements can result in civil and criminal penalties.
National Parks and Monuments Drone Ban
All five Utah national parks and six national monuments are closed to drone operations under NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05.
Parks affected: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef (national parks); Hovenweep, Natural Bridges, Cedar Breaks, Rainbow Bridge, Dinosaur, Timpanogos Cave (national monuments). Violations carry federal penalties up to 6 months jail and $5,000 fine. BLM land near these parks offers legal alternatives.
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability)
LAANC provides near-real-time airspace authorization for operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports.
Available to both Part 107 and recreational pilots. Multiple FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers offer LAANC access via apps and online platforms. Manual coordination available for operations requiring higher authorizations (further coordination) for Part 107 pilots only.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Utah 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 at 726 airports nationwide, including major Utah airports. Salt Lake City International Airport is Class B airspace requiring LAANC coordination. Airspace authorizations via B4UFLY and FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers.
Major Airports
SLC — Salt Lake City International AirportOGD — Ogden-Hinckley AirportPVU — Provo AirportSGU — St. George Regional AirportCDC — Cedar City Regional AirportMTM — Moab Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) may be issued for wildland fires, special events (ski resorts, stadium events), and security-sensitive areas. Stadium TFRs apply during athletic events at Rice-Eccles Stadium (University of Utah) and LaVell Edwards Stadium (BYU). Check NOTAM system for active TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Washington County Wildfire Drone Incursion
enforcementUnauthorized civilian drones entered airspace over active wildfire, forcing suspension of water-dumping aircraft sorties. Incident prompted Governor Gary Herbert to call for harsher drone penalties and led directly to passage of Utah Code 65A-3-2.5 with shoot-down authority for incident commanders.
2020 Wildfire Season Drone Incursions
enforcementSix additional unauthorized drone incursions reported during 2020 wildfire season. Helicopters grounded and aircraft diverted four times due to drone conflicts in fire zones.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Utah | University of Utah requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Office of Risk & Insurance Services. Rice-Eccles Stadium has a temporary flight restriction that applies during athletic events. Restrictions: Prior approval from Office of Risk & Insurance Services required. Stadium TFR during athletic events. No flights permitted without written authorization. | Yes | Office of Risk & Insurance Services — risk@risk.utah.edu |
| Brigham Young University | BYU requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Risk Management Office and campus police. LaVell Edwards Stadium has a temporary flight restriction during events. Additional restrictions on flights over temple and residential areas. Restrictions: Risk Management Office and Campus Police approval required. LaVell Edwards Stadium TFR during events. No flights over temple, campus housing, or other sensitive buildings. Operators must follow Part 107 or recreational rules. | Yes | Risk Management Office / Campus Police — risk@byu.edu |
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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