Utah Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Utah maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with targeted state legislation addressing privacy, law enforcement use, livestock protection, and critical infrastructure. The state expressly preempts local regulation of UAS and exempts drones from state aircraft registration requirements. Key provisions include warrant requirements for law enforcement surveillance in areas with reasonable privacy expectations, prohibitions on weaponized drones, and restrictions on flying near wildfire TFRs. Recent 2026 legislative activity includes SB 172 (Airport and Air Amendments) and HB 450 (Data Privacy Amendments), both signed into law.
State Drone Laws
Utah Code § 76-6-206(2)(a)Unlawful Operation Over Private Property
Prohibits operating a drone over private property when the property is not open to the public and the operator is not otherwise authorized to fly over that property. A safe harbor exists for legitimate commercial or educational UAS operations conducted in compliance with FAA regulations.
Utah Code § 76-6-206 (Livestock Protection)Unlawful Disturbance of Livestock with Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly chasing, actively disturbing, or harming livestock through the use of an unmanned aircraft system.
Utah Code § 63G-2-302 (UAS Preemption)State Preemption of Local UAS Regulation
Utah state law expressly preempts local governments from enacting ordinances or regulations governing the operation of unmanned aircraft systems. Local authorities may not impose restrictions beyond state and federal law on drone operations. This preemption was established as part of the 2017 SB 111 legislative package.
Utah Code § 63G-2-305 (UAS Data Privacy)UAS Data Collection and Voyeurism Prohibition
Modifies voyeurism statute to include secret recording or observation via unmanned aircraft system. Prohibits using a UAS to capture images or data of individuals in locations where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy without their consent.
Utah Code § 63-98-403 (formerly SB 111, 2017)Unmanned Aircraft System Regulation — General Provisions
Establishes comprehensive UAS regulations including: preemption of local UAS regulation; exemption from state aircraft registration; law enforcement use provisions allowing data collection for purposes unrelated to criminal investigation; requirement for law enforcement to maintain official records of UAS use and data acquired; prohibition on flying UAS carrying weapons; modification of criminal trespass to include unlawful drone entry over property; safe harbor for legitimate commercial or educational UAS operations consistent with FAA regulations; modification of voyeurism statute to include secret recording via UAS.
Utah Code § 63-98-403 (Weapons Prohibition)Prohibition on Weaponized Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Prohibits the operation of any unmanned aircraft system that carries or is equipped with a weapon or device capable of causing bodily injury or property damage. This is an absolute prohibition with no exceptions for private operators.
Utah Code § 76-6-206.5Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Allows law enforcement agencies to use unmanned aircraft systems to collect data at testing sites and to locate lost or missing persons in areas where the person has no reasonable expectation of privacy, without warrant requirements for those specific purposes. Also permits data collection unrelated to criminal investigation without a warrant.
Utah Code § 77-23-6Warrant Requirement for Law Enforcement UAS Data Collection
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before using an unmanned aircraft system to obtain, receive, or use data in places where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Establishes a statutory framework that supplements Fourth Amendment protections specifically for aerial surveillance via drone.
Utah Code § 63-98-403 (Wildfire TFR)Unmanned Aircraft Operation in Wildfire Areas
Prohibits operating an unmanned aircraft system within a temporary flight restriction issued by the FAA due to wildland fire, or within a designated wildland fire scene on federal, state, or local emergency management systems, unless operating with incident commander permission and in accordance with established restrictions. Reinforces federal TFR compliance at the state level.
SB 172 (2026)Airport and Air Amendments — Unmanned Aircraft Provisions
Signed into law on March 18, 2026, SB 172 includes amendments related to airports and air operations, with provisions addressing unmanned aircraft. The specific operational and penalty details of the UAS-related provisions require verification against the enrolled bill text, but the law is currently in effect. Operators and legal practitioners should review the full bill text for applicable provisions.
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 drone over private property without authorization (§ 76-6-206(2)(a)) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Applies when private property is not open to public and operator lacks authorization. Safe harbor exists for FAA-compliant commercial or educational operations. |
| Chasing, disturbing, or harming livestock with drone (§ 76-6-206 Livestock Protection) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement / Agricultural Authorities | Covers intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct. May also implicate federal agricultural interference laws. |
| Operating armed drone or drone with attached weapon (§ 63-98-403) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Law Enforcement | Absolute prohibition on weaponized drones. No exceptions for private operators. |
| Criminal trespass via drone over property without permission (§ 76-6-206 / SB 111) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Modification to existing criminal trespass statute to explicitly include drone entry over property. |
| Operating drone in wildfire TFR without incident commander authorization | Civil and/or Criminal | Varies; federal FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation for civil; criminal penalties per 49 U.S.C. § 46307 | Varies | Federal FAA, State Emergency Management, Local Law Enforcement | Subject to concurrent federal FAA enforcement as well as state law. Both state and federal penalties may apply. |
| Secret recording or observation via UAS (voyeurism — § 63G-2-305 modification) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months | Local Law Enforcement | Applies where subjects have reasonable expectation of privacy. Overlaps with general voyeurism statute. |
| Law enforcement UAS data collection without warrant in privacy-expectation areas (§ 77-23-6) | Statutory Violation / Evidence Suppression | Judicial / Prosecutorial Review | Primary remedy is suppression of unlawfully collected evidence. No specific criminal penalty for the agency, but evidence obtained in violation is inadmissible. |
Operating drone over private property without authorization (§ 76-6-206(2)(a))
Applies when private property is not open to public and operator lacks authorization. Safe harbor exists for FAA-compliant commercial or educational operations.
Chasing, disturbing, or harming livestock with drone (§ 76-6-206 Livestock Protection)
Covers intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct. May also implicate federal agricultural interference laws.
Operating armed drone or drone with attached weapon (§ 63-98-403)
Absolute prohibition on weaponized drones. No exceptions for private operators.
Criminal trespass via drone over property without permission (§ 76-6-206 / SB 111)
Modification to existing criminal trespass statute to explicitly include drone entry over property.
Operating drone in wildfire TFR without incident commander authorization
Subject to concurrent federal FAA enforcement as well as state law. Both state and federal penalties may apply.
Secret recording or observation via UAS (voyeurism — § 63G-2-305 modification)
Applies where subjects have reasonable expectation of privacy. Overlaps with general voyeurism statute.
Law enforcement UAS data collection without warrant in privacy-expectation areas (§ 77-23-6)
Primary remedy is suppression of unlawfully collected evidence. No specific criminal penalty for the agency, but evidence obtained in violation is inadmissible.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Utah expressly exempts unmanned aircraft systems from state aircraft registration requirements per SB 111 (2017), codified at Utah Code § 63-98-403. Federal FAA registration is required for recreational drones weighing over 250 grams ($5 fee) and for all drones operated commercially under Part 107.
No state-level permit requirement for general drone operations. Law enforcement agencies must maintain official records of UAS use and data acquired, and must obtain a warrant for surveillance in areas with reasonable privacy expectations. University and facility-specific approvals may be required for operations on private or institutional property.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operators in Utah must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
All commercial drone operations in Utah are subject to FAA Part 107 regulations. Operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test (valid for 24 months, then recurrent knowledge test required). This applies regardless of state law and is the federal standard for commercial operations. Utah's safe harbor provision explicitly recognizes FAA-compliant operations.
Recreational TRUST Requirement
Recreational drone pilots must complete FAA TRUST test
Hobbyist drone operators in Utah must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) administered by the FAA or an FAA-approved test administrator. This is a federal requirement for all recreational flights. Recreational drones weighing over 250 grams must also be registered with the FAA (currently $5 fee, valid for 3 years).
Remote ID Compliance
All UAS must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements effective September 2023
As of September 16, 2023, all unmanned aircraft systems operating in U.S. airspace must be equipped with Standard Remote ID capability, operate from an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA), or obtain an FAA waiver. This federal mandate applies to all operations in Utah. Utah law does not impose additional Remote ID requirements, but state law enforcement may use Remote ID data in enforcement of state trespass or privacy laws.
LAANC and Airspace Authorization
Operators must obtain airspace authorization near airports and restricted areas
Utah airspace is extensively covered by the FAA's LAANC system. Operators must use LAANC or the FAA DroneZone portal to obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and surface area E). Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has complex airspace requiring careful pre-authorization. State law does not create separate airspace authorization requirements, deferring entirely to federal FAA authority.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Drones cannot operate in FAA-issued TFRs without specific authorization
Utah has a high frequency of TFRs due to wildland fire activity, national parks, military training areas (Hill AFB, Dugway Proving Ground), and special events. Utah state law reinforces FAA wildfire TFRs with a state criminal penalty, creating concurrent federal-state enforcement. Operators must check NOTAMs via the FAA's NOTAM Search or B4UFLY before every flight.
Federal Facilities and Military Airspace
Restricted and prohibited airspace exists around Utah's federal installations
Utah contains significant federal airspace restrictions, including military operations areas (MOAs), restricted areas, and prohibited airspace around Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground, and portions of the Utah Test and Training Range. Operating in these areas without authorization can result in federal criminal prosecution under 49 U.S.C. § 46307 and other statutes, independent of state law.
State Preemption vs. Federal Supremacy
Utah's preemption of local law is subject to overriding federal authority
While Utah preempts local government UAS regulation, this preemption operates only at the state-local level. Federal FAA authority over navigable airspace (above ~400 feet AGL, and lower altitudes near airports) is supreme under the Supremacy Clause. Utah's state-level drone laws address conduct below federally regulated airspace and supplement — rather than conflict with — FAA regulations.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available across Utah airspace. Operators should use the FAA DroneZone, B4UFLY app, or LAANC-enabled applications for real-time airspace authorization near airports and restricted airspace.
Major Airports
SLC — Salt Lake City International AirportOGD — Ogden-Hinckley AirportSGU — St. George Regional AirportCEZ — Cortez Municipal Airport (near Utah border)PUC — Carbon County Regional Airport (Price)CNY — Canyonlands Regional Airport (Moab)CDC — Cedar City Regional AirportVEL — Vernal Regional AirportLGU — Logan-Cache AirportPVU — Provo Municipal Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions are commonly issued for wildland fires (especially during fire season May–October), special events including University of Utah (Rice-Eccles Stadium) and BYU (LaVell Edwards Stadium) athletic events, national security TFRs, and operations near federal facilities including national parks and monuments. Operators must check NOTAMs and B4UFLY prior to every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
US Agencies Step Up Enforcement Actions on Rogue Drones
enforcementFederal agencies continue to escalate enforcement against unauthorized drone operations nationwide, including in Utah airspace. Actions have included FAA civil penalty proceedings and coordination with local law enforcement.
Federal Agencies Boost Drone Violation Penalties After Detection Over Fort McNair
enforcementFAA and federal agencies have signaled stricter penalties for reckless drone operations and unauthorized flights near restricted federal facilities. This policy posture affects operators in Utah near Hill Air Force Base, Dugway Proving Ground, and other federal installations.
SB 172 Signed into Law — Airport and Air Amendments
legislationGovernor signed SB 172 (2026) addressing airport and air-related amendments, including unmanned aircraft provisions. The bill is now in effect and operators should review the enrolled text for any new compliance obligations.
HB 450 Signed — Data Privacy Amendments
legislationGovernor signed HB 450 (2026) addressing data privacy amendments. Provisions may affect how drone operators collect, store, and use data gathered during flights, particularly for commercial surveillance operations.
Pending Legislation
SB 0172Signed into LawAirport and Air Amendments
Amendments related to airports and air operations, including unmanned aircraft provisions. Signed by governor on 2026-03-18 and now in effect. Full compliance implications require review of enrolled bill text. This law has been added to state_laws as a new entry pending specific statutory codification details.
Last action: March 18, 2026
HB 0450Signed into LawData Privacy Amendments
Comprehensive data privacy amendments that may affect drone surveillance and data collection practices, including how commercial drone operators handle collected imagery and data. Signed by governor on 2026-03-19 and now in effect.
Last action: March 19, 2026
SB 0036Signed into LawTransportation Commission Amendments
Amendments to Transportation Commission authority and operations. Signed by governor on 2026-03-18. Tangential relevance to UAS policy; no direct drone-specific provisions identified in available summaries.
Last action: March 18, 2026
SB 0242Signed into LawTransportation Amendments
Broad transportation amendments including various provisions related to infrastructure and operations. Signed by governor on 2026-03-25. Potential indirect relevance to UAS infrastructure delivery and logistics provisions.
Last action: March 25, 2026
HB 0191Failed — Enacting Clause StruckAirport Land Use Amendments
Would have modified airport land use regulations with potential implications for drone operations near airports. Bill failed when House struck the enacting clause on 2026-03-06.
Last action: March 6, 2026
HB 0500Failed — Enacting Clause StruckCriminal Trespass Amendments
Would have amended criminal trespass provisions potentially affecting drone trespass law and modifying liability standards. Bill failed when House struck the enacting clause on 2026-03-06.
Last action: March 6, 2026
HB 0581Failed — Senate Struck Enacting ClauseAutonomous Vehicle Amendments
Related to autonomous vehicle regulations; had tangential relevance to aerial autonomous vehicle policy. Bill failed on 2026-03-06.
Last action: March 6, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Utah | The University of Utah requires all drone operations on campus to be approved by the Office of Risk & Insurance Services prior to flight. Stadium-specific TFRs are enforced by the FAA during athletic events at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The university's policy requires compliance with all FAA regulations including Part 107 for commercial operations and proper registration of all aircraft. Restrictions: Prior approval from Office of Risk & Insurance Services required for all campus UAS operations. Rice-Eccles Stadium is subject to FAA TFR restrictions during sporting events (typically 3 nautical miles, 3,000 AGL). Research drone operations require additional Institutional Review Board (IRB) considerations for data involving human subjects. | Yes | Office of Risk & Insurance Services |
| Brigham Young University | BYU requires all drone operations on or over campus property to be approved by the Risk Management Office with coordination through campus police (BYU Police Department). LaVell Edwards Stadium is subject to FAA TFR restrictions during athletic events. Additional campus restrictions prohibit flights over the Provo Utah Temple adjacent to campus, over campus housing areas, and in specified sensitive research zones. Restrictions: Risk Management Office approval required prior to any UAS operation on campus. Coordination with BYU Police Department required. LaVell Edwards Stadium TFR active during events (FAA-issued, typically 3 NM radius). No flights over the Provo Utah Temple or campus residential housing. All operators must hold appropriate FAA certification (Part 107 for commercial/research use). | Yes | BYU Risk Management Office / BYU Police Department |
| Utah State University | Utah State University, located in Logan, Utah, has established a UAS policy requiring institutional approval for drone operations on campus. USU also hosts a significant UAS research program through its Space Dynamics Laboratory and College of Engineering. Operators must comply with USU's UAS policy, which references FAA regulations and requires coordination with campus facilities management. Restrictions: Institutional approval required for all UAS operations on campus property. Research operations involving drone data collection may require additional IRB review. Logan-Cache Airport (LGU) is in proximity to the main campus, requiring LAANC authorization for certain operations. FAA Part 107 certification required for research and commercial operations. | Yes | USU Office of Research / Facilities Management |
| Weber State University | Weber State University in Ogden, Utah requires compliance with FAA regulations for all drone operations on or near campus. Given the proximity of Ogden-Hinckley Airport (OGD), LAANC authorization is required for many campus operations. Institutional approval should be obtained through WSU administration for research and academic drone programs. Restrictions: FAA compliance required for all operations. LAANC authorization required due to proximity to Ogden-Hinckley Airport (OGD). Institutional approval required for organized or research UAS activities on campus. | Yes | WSU Administration / Facilities Management |
| Utah Valley University | Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah has a growing aviation program and UAS-related coursework. Campus drone operations require institutional approval. UVU's Provo Municipal Airport (PVU) adjacency affects airspace for campus operations. Restrictions: Institutional approval required for campus UAS operations. Proximity to Provo Municipal Airport (PVU) requires LAANC authorization for many operations. Academic and research drone use must comply with FAA regulations and university safety protocols. | Yes | UVU Aviation Science Department / Campus 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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