Wisconsin Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Wisconsin maintains a comprehensive and mature drone regulatory framework centered on privacy protection and public safety. The state requires law enforcement to obtain search warrants before using drones for surveillance, prohibits drone surveillance invading privacy expectations, restricts drones over correctional facilities, schools, and utility infrastructure, and prohibits interference with hunting and fishing. No separate state registration or commercial licensing is required beyond federal FAA requirements, making Wisconsin moderately permissive overall while protecting sensitive areas.
State Drone Laws
Wis. Stat. § 942.10Use of Drone — Privacy Invasion
Prohibits using a drone to photograph, record, or otherwise observe another individual in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Law enforcement is exempt when authorized under Statute 175.55.
Wis. Stat. § 941.292Possession or Operation of Weaponized Drone
Prohibits the possession or operation of a weaponized drone (any drone equipped with a weapon or designed to carry one). Exemption for U.S. armed forces and National Guard members acting in official capacity.
Wis. Stat. § 114.045Operation of Drones Over Correctional Institutions
Prohibits flying a drone over any state or county correctional facility without authorization. Authorization may be obtained from the Secretary of Corrections (state facilities) or county sheriff (county jails). Law enforcement investigating violations must seize all photographs, video, and data recorded by the drone and transfer to Department of Corrections.
Wis. Stat. § 114.045(1b)Operation of Drones Over School Property
Prohibits operating a drone over school property during school hours or during school-sponsored events without authorization. Effective as 2025 Wisconsin Act 189.
Wis. Stat. § 114.045(1)(b)Operation of Drones Over Certain Utility Facilities
Expands prohibition to include drones over water reclamation facilities and other critical utility infrastructure without authorization. Effective as 2025 Wisconsin Act 194.
Wis. Stat. § 175.55Law Enforcement Use of Drones — Warrant Requirement
Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a search warrant before using a drone to gather evidence in any location where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Exceptions: search and rescue operations, locating escaped prisoners, executing arrest warrants, preventing imminent danger or destruction of evidence. Evidence gathered without warrant is inadmissible in court.
Wis. Stat. § 29.083Interference with Hunting, Fishing, or Trapping
Prohibits using a drone to interfere with or attempt to interfere with lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping. Prohibited acts include harassing wild animals, impeding or obstructing hunters/anglers, disturbing personal property, photographing/videotaping hunters with intent to obstruct, or using aircraft to hunt. Also prohibits use of drones to concentrate, drive, or rally migratory game birds.
Wis. Adm. Code § NR 45.041Prohibition of Drones in State Parks and Forests
Prohibits the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and related flying activities in all Wisconsin state parks, state recreation areas, state natural areas, Kettle Moraine and Point Beach state forests, and the Lower Wisconsin state riverway, except in areas specifically posted for drone use. Exception: Richard Bong State Recreation Area has a Special Use Zone where model aircraft are permitted with advance approval (minimum 1 week notice required).
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of Greenfield
townMunicipal Ordinance — Drone Operation Restrictions
Comprehensive restrictions on drone operations within the town
Restrictions
No drone launch or landing outside visual line of sight (VLOS); no landing within 100 feet of any person except operator/assistant; no flight within 500 feet of public gatherings exceeding 100 people; no flight endangering safety of persons or property; no flight within 500 feet of emergency vehicles with active lights/siren, active emergency response incidents, schools in session, or jails. No flight within 500 feet of active police, fire, or emergency response incidents.
City of Hudson
cityMunicipal Ordinance — Unlawful Use of Drones
Prohibits using drones to invade personal privacy
Restrictions
Prohibits the use of drones with intent to photograph, record, or observe a person in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., residence, backyard, private property). Violations subject to $200 fine. Ordinance complements and facilitates local enforcement of state privacy law (Wis. Stat. § 942.10).
City of Chetek
cityMunicipal Ordinance — Height Limitation Zoning Near Airport
Altitude limitations on drone flights near Chetek Municipal Airport
Restrictions
Drones must comply with height and altitude limitations established in zoning map around Chetek Municipal-Southworth Airport (FAA LID: Y23)
Outagamie County
countyMunicipal Law — Airport Drone Prohibition
Prohibits drone operations on county airport grounds
Restrictions
No drone takeoff, landing, or operation on county airport grounds without written authorization from airport director
City of Green Bay
cityMunicipal Ordinance — Special Events Altitude Restriction
Prohibits drone flight below 400 feet during special events
Restrictions
Cannot fly drones below 400 feet altitude within designated boundaries of special city events (including Lambeau Field during Packers games) during scheduled times of events
Waukesha County
countyCounty Parks Drone Permit Requirement
Free annual permit required for drone flights in county parks
Restrictions
Free annual permit valid for one year from purchase date. Online application process available. Permit required to operate drones in any Waukesha County Park.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance/photography invading reasonable expectation of privacy (Wis. Stat. § 942.10) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $10,000 | Up to 9 months | Local law enforcement, Wisconsin State Police | Applies to civilian use. Law enforcement exempt when authorized under § 175.55. Requires intent to photograph/record person in private setting. |
| Possession or operation of weaponized drone (Wis. Stat. § 941.292) | Class H Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 6 years | State Police, Local law enforcement | Permanent felony conviction. Exemption only for armed forces and National Guard acting in official capacity. Mere possession (not use) is sufficient for prosecution. |
| Flying drone over correctional institution without authorization (Wis. Stat. § 114.045) | Civil Forfeiture | Up to $5,000 | Department of Corrections, County Sheriff, Law Enforcement | All drone photographs, video, and data are seized and transferred to Department of Corrections. Authorization available from Secretary of Corrections (state) or county sheriff (county jails). | |
| Flying drone over school property without authorization (Wis. Stat. § 114.045(1b)) | Civil Forfeiture | Up to $5,000 | Local law enforcement, School authorities | Applies during school hours and school-sponsored events. Effective April 3, 2026. | |
| Flying drone over utility facilities without authorization (Wis. Stat. § 114.045(1)(b)) | Civil Forfeiture | Up to $5,000 | Local law enforcement, Utility operators | Applies to water reclamation facilities and other critical utility infrastructure. Effective April 3, 2026. | |
| Interference with hunting, fishing, or trapping (Wis. Stat. § 29.083) | Civil Action | Damages as determined by court | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Private civil action | Includes punitive damages. Applies to drone use to interfere with or harass lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping; also prohibits use of drones to hunt or fish. | |
| Unlawful drone use in City of Hudson (privacy invasion) | Municipal Violation | $200 | Hudson Police Department | Local enforcement of privacy invasion complementing state law (Wis. Stat. § 942.10). |
Drone surveillance/photography invading reasonable expectation of privacy (Wis. Stat. § 942.10)
Applies to civilian use. Law enforcement exempt when authorized under § 175.55. Requires intent to photograph/record person in private setting.
Possession or operation of weaponized drone (Wis. Stat. § 941.292)
Permanent felony conviction. Exemption only for armed forces and National Guard acting in official capacity. Mere possession (not use) is sufficient for prosecution.
Flying drone over correctional institution without authorization (Wis. Stat. § 114.045)
All drone photographs, video, and data are seized and transferred to Department of Corrections. Authorization available from Secretary of Corrections (state) or county sheriff (county jails).
Flying drone over school property without authorization (Wis. Stat. § 114.045(1b))
Applies during school hours and school-sponsored events. Effective April 3, 2026.
Flying drone over utility facilities without authorization (Wis. Stat. § 114.045(1)(b))
Applies to water reclamation facilities and other critical utility infrastructure. Effective April 3, 2026.
Interference with hunting, fishing, or trapping (Wis. Stat. § 29.083)
Includes punitive damages. Applies to drone use to interfere with or harass lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping; also prohibits use of drones to hunt or fish.
Unlawful drone use in City of Hudson (privacy invasion)
Local enforcement of privacy invasion complementing state law (Wis. Stat. § 942.10).
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Wisconsin does not require separate state-level drone registration. All drones over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). Drones under 250 grams used recreationally are exempt from FAA registration but must still comply with all Wisconsin state laws including privacy statutes and hunting restrictions.
No state permit required for recreational or commercial drone operations beyond federal FAA requirements. Some local jurisdictions (e.g., Waukesha County Parks, Richard Bong Special Use Zone) require local permits for operations on their property.
Wisconsin does not mandate drone insurance. However, most commercial drone clients require $1 million in general liability coverage, making it effectively required by market demand.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operations must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
Wisconsin does not impose separate state commercial licensing or permitting requirements. Operators must obtain FAA Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 knowledge test, valid 24 months). Recurrent test is free and can be taken online. Wisconsin has PSI testing centers in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, and Eau Claire. All Part 107 operators subject to federal penalties up to $32,666 per violation.
Recreational Drone Operations
Recreational pilots must follow FAA Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (49 USC 44809)
All recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test) online and carry proof of passage. Drones over 250 grams must be FAA-registered ($5 for 3 years) and marked with registration number. Must maintain visual line of sight, fly at or below 400 feet AGL in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace, and registered drones must broadcast Remote ID. Failure to comply results in federal civil penalties up to $27,500 or criminal penalties up to $250,000.
Remote ID Requirement
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information
Remote ID requirement became effective March 2024. All registered drones must have active Remote ID capability during flight. Limited exemptions exist for certain authorized waiver flights. Pilots without Remote ID capability face federal penalties.
Controlled Airspace Authorization
Flights in controlled airspace require LAANC authorization
Drones operating within Class B, C, D airspace or surface Class E airports require LAANC authorization from FAA-approved service providers. Wisconsin has Class C airspace around Milwaukee Mitchell (MKE) and Madison Dane County (MSN) airports, Class D at Green Bay Austin Straubel (GRB). Both recreational and Part 107 pilots can obtain LAANC authorizations.
FAA Enforcement Enhancement — DETER Program
FAA launched DETER (Drone Enforcement Tracking and Early Response) program for faster enforcement
The DETER program offers fast-track penalties for first-time drone offenders who waive appeal rights, resulting in smaller civil fines than traditional enforcement. Wisconsin pilots are subject to these enhanced enforcement mechanisms. Penalties can reach up to $27,500 civil or $250,000 criminal for serious violations.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Wis. Stat. § 114.045 (as amended by 2025 Wisconsin Act 194) — Limitation on the operation of drones — operation over certain utility facilities
Penalty: Forfeiture penalty under 2025 Wisconsin Act 194
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Statute prohibits operation under 300 ft AGL over or within 500 ft of covered facilities. Carve-outs include facility-owner direction, inspection or maintenance work, and FAA-compliant commercial operations.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 airports nationwide, including Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE, Class C), Madison Dane County Regional (MSN, Class C), and Green Bay Austin Straubel (GRB, Class D). Recreational and Part 107 pilots can request authorizations through FAA-approved service providers (B4UFLY, DJI Fly, Aloft, UASidekick, and others).
Major Airports
MKE — Milwaukee Mitchell International (Class C)MSN — Madison Dane County Regional (Class C)GRB — Green Bay Austin Straubel (Class D)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are automatically activated over Lambeau Field during Packers games and major events. TFR typically extends 3 nautical miles from stadium, surface to 3,000 feet AGL, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after events. Military restricted airspace at Fort McCoy and Volk Field in central Wisconsin. Additional NOTAMs issued for special events. Wisconsin has controlled airspace around major metropolitan areas.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Milwaukee Police Department Expands Drone Program with Remote Deployment
enforcementMilwaukee PD expanded its drone program in January 2026 with remote deployment capabilities, making it one of about 50 law enforcement agencies in the country with this technology. Used for suspect tracking, search operations, and emergency response.
State Troopers Use Drone to Locate Suspect in High-Speed Pursuit
enforcementWestern Wisconsin state troopers used a drone and K9 unit to locate and arrest a suspect who fled a high-speed pursuit on I-90/94. Drone found suspect hiding in ditch on I-94 after vehicle abandonment.
Stoughton Police Use Drone in Public Indecency Investigation
enforcementStoughton police used trail cameras and drone to identify a 46-year-old suspect repeatedly defecating in public park. Suspect cited for indecent conduct, demonstrating low-level enforcement use of drone technology.
Governor Approves AB530 — School Property Drone Restrictions (2025 Wisconsin Act 189)
regulatory changeGovernor signed AB530 into law, expanding drone restrictions to prohibit operation over school property without authorization during school hours and school-sponsored events. Forfeit up to $5,000.
Governor Approves AB768 — Utility Facility Drone Restrictions (2025 Wisconsin Act 194)
regulatory changeGovernor signed AB768 into law, expanding drone restrictions to include operation over water reclamation facilities and critical utility infrastructure without authorization. Forfeit up to $5,000.
Governor Vetoes AB629 — Police Drone Disablement Authority
regulatory changeGovernor vetoed AB629, which would have granted police authority to disable drones threatening public safety. Bill had bipartisan support but was rejected by executive veto.
Pending Legislation
AB629Vetoed by GovernorPolice Authority to Disable Drones Threatening Public Safety
Would have authorized police to disable drones that threaten public safety and provided penalties for violation. Bill passed Assembly (House) and Senate with bipartisan support but was vetoed by Governor on April 3, 2026.
Last action: April 3, 2026
SB626Failed to PassPolice Authority to Disable Drones Threatening Public Safety
Senate companion to AB629. Would have authorized police to disable drones threatening public safety and provided penalties. Received favorable committee recommendation but failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on March 23, 2026.
Last action: March 23, 2026
SB766Failed to PassOperation of Drones Over Certain Utility Facilities
Would have extended the correctional facility drone ban (Stat. § 114.045) to cover water reclamation and other critical utility facilities, with $5,000 forfeiture penalty. Received favorable committee recommendations but failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on March 23, 2026. Similar provisions were enacted via AB768.
Last action: March 23, 2026
SB519Failed to PassOperation of Drones Over School Property
Would have restricted drone operations over school property without authorization. Received favorable committee recommendations but failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on March 23, 2026. Similar provisions were enacted via AB530.
Last action: March 23, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | UW-Madison requires all UAS operations on university property to be approved by the Office of Safety and Risk Management. Camp Randall Stadium TFR applies during football games. Restrictions: All drone operations require Office of Safety and Risk Management approval. Camp Randall Stadium TFR during Badger football games. No flights over UW Hospital. Operators must follow all federal and state regulations. | Yes | Office of Safety and Risk Management — safety@wisc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | Operating a drone within UW-La Crosse requires securing permission from campus authorities and completing a UAS checklist. Third-party and hobbyist operators must have liability insurance. Restrictions: Drones must remain at least 100 feet away from buildings. Third-party operators must provide proof of liability insurance. All operations require prior approval and checklist completion. Call campus administration at least one week in advance for scheduling. | Yes | University Administration |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | UW-Whitewater requires all drone operators to contact the university's risk management department for approval before operating over university lands or property. All operators must provide proof of liability insurance with liability coverage. Restrictions: All university employees, students, and third-party operators must secure risk management approval before operating. Proof of liability insurance required. Drones must not be used to monitor or record in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy (restrooms, locker rooms, residential rooms, changing rooms, daycare facilities, health treatment areas, or sensitive institutional/personal information areas). | Yes | University Risk Management Department |
| Western Technical College | Drone operations at Western Technical College are restricted to instructional, institutional, or contractor use only. Contractors must provide liability insurance. Drones must not be used to monitor or record in privacy-sensitive areas. Restrictions: Drones allowed only for instructional, institutional, or contractor-related work. Contractors performing College-related work must carry liability insurance. Drones must not be used to monitor or record in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy including restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, daycare facilities, health treatment areas, or sensitive institutional/personal information areas. | Yes | College Administration |
Last Updated
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