California Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
California maintains a moderately restrictive drone regulatory environment with targeted restrictions on privacy, emergency response interference, hunting, and state parks operations. The state allows both recreational and commercial drone operations under federal FAA rules but adds state-specific civil and criminal penalties for privacy violations, emergency interference, and wildlife-related uses. Pilots must navigate a complex patchwork of state laws, local ordinances, and frequent wildfire TFRs.
State Drone Laws
Civil Code § 1708.8Invasion of Privacy — Constructive Invasion via Drone
Prohibits using a drone or other visual-enhancing device to capture images or recordings of a person engaging in private, personal, or familial activity without consent, either by physical trespass or through airspace. Covers takeoff, landing, or hovering below 350 feet over private property.
Penal Code § 402Obstruction of Emergency or Disaster Relief Operations
Amended by AB 1680 to make it a misdemeanor to willfully remain at the scene of an emergency or disaster in a way that impedes firefighters, peace officers, or emergency medical services. Flying a drone over a wildfire or emergency scene violates this statute.
Penal Code § 647(j)(1)Invasion of Privacy — Peeping Tom/Voyeurism via Drone
Prohibits using a drone or other recording device to view the interior of a bedroom, bathroom, dressing room, or other area where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, with intent to invade that privacy.
Penal Code § 632Unlawful Recording of Private Conversations
California is a two-party-consent state. A drone microphone that captures a private conversation without the consent of all parties to it violates this statute. Separate civil liability attaches under § 637.2.
Penal Code § 4575Unauthorized Aircraft Systems Near State Prisons and Jails
Operating an unmanned aircraft system on or above the grounds of a state prison, jail, or juvenile hall, camp, or ranch is prohibited. Violation is an infraction punishable by fine; escalates to misdemeanor or felony if a payload is involved.
14 CCR § 4351Motorized Equipment in State Park Wilderness and Preserves
Prohibits the use of any motorized equipment, including drones, inside California State Park wilderness areas, cultural preserves, and natural preserves. This is a statewide rule that applies regardless of whether a District Superintendent has issued a posted order.
14 CCR § 4319Unsafe Recreational Activities in State Parks
Authorizes State Parks rangers to cite drone operators whose flight endangers other park visitors, property, or wildlife, even in parks without a specific posted drone ban.
14 CCR § 251Prohibition on Using Aircraft to Hunt Game
Prohibits pursuing, driving, herding, or taking any bird or mammal from any type of motorized air vehicle, including drones. Also prohibits using drones to locate big-game mammals beginning 48 hours before and continuing 48 hours after any big-game season.
14 CCR § 251.1Prohibition on Harassing Game and Nongame Wildlife with Drones
Prohibits harassing any game or nongame bird or mammal with a drone or otherwise.
14 CCR § 550Drones on California Department of Fish and Wildlife Lands
Operating any drone on California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) administered land is prohibited except under a Special Use Permit issued by CDFW.
Senate Bill 807Immunity for Emergency Responders for Damage to Interfering UAS
Provides immunity to emergency responders and emergency services for any damage to a UAS or drone that was interfering with the emergency responder or emergency services personnel while providing emergency services.
Assembly Bill 1680Misdemeanor Offense for Interfering with Emergency Personnel via Drone
Amends Penal Code § 402 to explicitly include UAS/drone activities that interfere with or impede firefighters, peace officers, emergency medical services, or other emergency workers.
Assembly Bill 2655Peace Officer Restrictions on Photography at Crime Scenes
Prohibits first responders from taking photographs (including drone photography) at crime scenes without valid and documented reason.
California State Parks UAS PolicyFramework for Drone Operations in State Parks
California Department of Parks and Recreation allows drones in State Parks, State Beaches, State Historic Parks, State Recreational Areas, and State Vehicular Recreation Areas, EXCEPT where a District Superintendent has issued a posted order prohibiting them. As of 2026, most districts have posted orders banning drones. Check with the specific district before flying.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Los Angeles
cityLAMC § 56.31 — Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Restricts drone operations in Los Angeles city parks and prohibits flying during active public-safety operations. Codifies several FAA-parallel rules as misdemeanor offenses.
Restrictions
400-foot altitude cap, visual line of sight required, daylight-only operation, 25-foot standoff from any person not the operator or observer, 5-mile airport notification, no flights over active public-safety operations (fire, police, rescue).
City of San Francisco
cityPark Code § 3.09 — Airplanes, Helicopters, etc. Prohibited
Prohibits launching or landing any airplane, helicopter, drone, or other aviation machine in any city park without written permission from the Recreation and Park Department.
Restrictions
No unauthorized launches/landings in parks. Park rangers issue $200 citations. SF Rec & Park is under a standing moratorium on recreational drone permits; only commercial film/photography (via SF Film Office) can obtain authorization.
County of San Diego
countySan Diego County UAS Regulations
County of San Diego has no blanket county-wide drone ordinance. County allows drone operations on county property under specified conditions.
Restrictions
Recreational UAS use on county property generally does not require written permission but may be imposed. Commercial operations on county property or facilities require prior written permission, proof of insurance, 1-business-day lead time for recreational requests, 4-business-day review for commercial. Minimum 25-foot spacing between operators; launches/landings at least 25 feet from structures/vehicles.
Sacramento County
countySacramento County Code § 9.36.068
Prohibits drone operations in Sacramento County parks except in designated areas or with express permission of the Director.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in most county parks and recreational areas unless in designated compatible areas or with Director authorization.
Marin County
countyMarin County Municipal Code § 10.03.060
Prohibits operation of remote-controlled model aircraft and UAS in county parks and recreational areas.
Restrictions
Model aircraft and drones not permitted in Marin County parks, playgrounds, bicycle/multi-use paths, recreation centers, or facilities devoted to recreation.
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
countyRegulations § 11.01.01
Prohibits operation of drones on Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority lands without a permit.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited on Open Space Authority property unless specific permit granted by the Authority. Emergency response, firefighting, and law enforcement are exempt.
City of Calabasas
cityMunicipal Ordinance No. 2017-354
Restricts drone operations within city limits and enforces FAA rules as local misdemeanors.
Restrictions
Drones cannot operate within 25 feet of another person, on private property without consent, within 500 feet of special events/emergency operations, within 1,500 feet of any manned/unmanned aircraft, within 200 feet of school facilities, or within 100 feet of public buildings/facilities. FAA violations treated as local misdemeanors.
City of Hermosa Beach
cityMunicipal Code § 9.38 — Ordinance 16-1363
Requires drone operators to obtain an annual operating permit and identification number from the city. Restricts flight altitude over schools and civic areas.
Restrictions
Annual permit required with identification number. No flights less than 350 feet above ground level over schools during school hours. No operation in civic center complex or parks during scheduled special events.
City of Los Alamitos
cityMunicipal Ordinance
Establishes specific restrictions on drone flight and operation within city boundaries.
Restrictions
Specific restrictions on drone flight and activity to maintain safety and prevent interference with law enforcement or emergency response.
City of Yorba Linda
cityMunicipal Ordinance No. 2017-1047
Restricts drone takeoff and landing operations and establishes safety buffers.
Restrictions
No takeoff outside visual line of sight; no operation within 25 feet of another person (except pilot/designee); no operation on private property without owner consent; no operation within 500 feet of special events or emergency responses.
City of Malibu
cityMalibu Filming Permit Requirements
Allows commercial drone filming with permit; recreational flights generally not permitted.
Restrictions
Commercial filmmaking permitted with city filming permit (7-day advance notice required). No exceptions on Sundays.
City of La Mesa
cityMunicipal Ordinance § 9.08.150
Bans all motorized and non-motorized model aircraft and drones in city parks.
Restrictions
Complete ban on model aircraft, drones, and remote-controlled aircraft in all city parks.
City of Chula Vista
cityMunicipal Code § 2.66.180
Prohibits drone operations in city parks and recreation areas except in designated areas.
Restrictions
Unlawful to operate drones within any city park or recreation area except areas designated with signage by the Director of Public Works.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
cityMunicipal Code § 12.16.040
Prohibits motorized drones in city parks except at Point Vicente Park/Civic Center with permit.
Restrictions
Motorized drone flight prohibited in all parks except Point Vicente Park/Civic Center. Requires permit through SCORCH (Southern California Organization of Radio-Controlled Helicopters), AMA membership, and associated fees.
City of Pacific Grove
cityMunicipal Code § 11.72.010
Requires permit from City Manager for launch or landing of any aircraft, including drones.
Restrictions
Unlawful to launch or land aircraft (including drones) without permit from City Manager or designee.
Port of Los Angeles
cityMunicipal Code § 63.44(B)
Designates Port as no-drone zone; permits available with restrictions.
Restrictions
Port of Los Angeles is no-drone zone. Drone permits available with 3-week advance notice. Minimum Port Police escort fee of $448 at time of flight.
Orange County Parks
countyOfficial Orange County Parks Rules
Bans motorized and non-motorized drones in all Orange County parks, beaches, and recreational areas.
Restrictions
Complete ban on drone operations in all Orange County parks, beaches, and recreational areas.
Orange Coast District (State Parks)
countyDistrict Superintendent Order No. 925-19-32
Bans model aircraft and UAS in all Orange Coast District state park units.
Restrictions
No launch, landing, or operation of model aircraft or UAS in Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington State Beach, Corona del Mar State Beach, Crystal Cove State Park, Doheny State Beach, San Clemente State Beach, or San Onofre State Beach.
Inland Empire District (State Parks)
countyDistrict Superintendent Order No. 950-19-022
Closes park units in Inland Empire District to model aircraft and UAS operations.
Restrictions
Model aircraft and UAS prohibited in Inland Empire District park units.
Santa Cruz District (State Parks)
countyDistrict Superintendent Order No. 715-001-17
Prohibits model aircraft and UAS in most Santa Cruz District state parks with limited exceptions.
Restrictions
Drones prohibited in all Santa Cruz District park units except Seacliff State Beach (above field on southern end of main parking lot) and Sunset State Beach (non-motorized gliders at designated port). Exceptions may be requested from District Superintendent for special events or authorized uses.
MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District
countyRegulations § 409.4
Prohibits remote-controlled aircraft on district lands without permit.
Restrictions
Operation of remote-controlled aircraft prohibited on any portion of district lands or waters except in designated areas or with written permit.
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
countyPark Ordinance
Prohibits all drone operations in MRCA parks without official permits.
Restrictions
All drone operations prohibited inside MRCA parks unless official permits granted by the Executive Officer.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invasion of privacy via drone (Civil Code § 1708.8) | Civil violation | $5,000 to $50,000 per violation, plus trebled damages and punitive damages | N/A | Property owner via civil lawsuit; enforced in Superior Court | Disgorgement of profits if commercial use. Most common cause of action in California drone cases. |
| Peeping/voyeurism via drone (Penal Code § 647(j)(1)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months in county jail | Local law enforcement / County District Attorney | Directed at viewing interiors of private spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms) with intent to invade privacy. |
| Interfering with emergency response (Penal Code § 402) | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months in county jail | State/local law enforcement; CalFire for wildfire incidents | Flying over active wildfire or emergency scene. Aggressively enforced by CalFire. |
| Unlawful recording of private conversation (Penal Code § 632) | Criminal or Civil | Up to $5,000 per violation (civil, under § 637.2) | Up to 1 year imprisonment (criminal) | State/local law enforcement or plaintiff via civil suit | California is two-party-consent state. Applies to drone microphones capturing private conversations. |
| Operating UAS on prison/jail grounds (Penal Code § 4575) | Infraction (simple) or Misdemeanor/Felony (with payload) | $500 (infraction); higher for misdemeanor/felony | Up to 1 year (misdemeanor); variable (felony) | California Department of Corrections / Local law enforcement | Escalates if UAS carries contraband or dangerous payload. |
| Hunting with drone (14 CCR § 251) | Misdemeanor or Civil Infraction | Variable; typically $250-$500 | Up to 6 months county jail (misdemeanor) | California Department of Fish & Wildlife | Applies to locating, pursuing, or taking game via drone. |
| Violating LA Municipal Code § 56.31 | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 months county jail | LAPD / Los Angeles City Attorney | Enforcement was paused in March 2024 pending City Attorney review of preemption; ordinance remains on books. |
| Violating San Francisco Park Code § 3.09 | Civil Infraction | $200 | N/A | SF Park Rangers / SFPD | Violating launch/landing restrictions in city parks. |
Invasion of privacy via drone (Civil Code § 1708.8)
Disgorgement of profits if commercial use. Most common cause of action in California drone cases.
Peeping/voyeurism via drone (Penal Code § 647(j)(1))
Directed at viewing interiors of private spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms) with intent to invade privacy.
Interfering with emergency response (Penal Code § 402)
Flying over active wildfire or emergency scene. Aggressively enforced by CalFire.
Unlawful recording of private conversation (Penal Code § 632)
California is two-party-consent state. Applies to drone microphones capturing private conversations.
Operating UAS on prison/jail grounds (Penal Code § 4575)
Escalates if UAS carries contraband or dangerous payload.
Hunting with drone (14 CCR § 251)
Applies to locating, pursuing, or taking game via drone.
Violating LA Municipal Code § 56.31
Enforcement was paused in March 2024 pending City Attorney review of preemption; ordinance remains on books.
Violating San Francisco Park Code § 3.09
Violating launch/landing restrictions in city parks.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
California imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- Local/municipal drone permits (varies by jurisdiction) — Highly variable by city/countyMany California cities and counties charge annual or per-flight permits for drone operations in city/county parks and public lands. Examples: Hermosa Beach requires annual permit; many cities charge per-application fees. Check with local jurisdiction.
- Film permit fees (California Film Commission) — VariesCommercial filmmaking with drones in state parks or city parks may require California Film Commission or local film office permits.
- Port of Los Angeles escort fee — $448 minimumPort of Los Angeles requires $448 minimum Port Police escort fee for any approved drone flights within port jurisdiction.
California does not require state-level drone registration beyond the federal FAA requirement. All drones over 250 grams (0.55 lb) must be registered with the FAA for $5 (valid 3 years). The federal registration number must be visibly marked on the aircraft. No state business license, operator permit, or state-specific licensing is required at the state level for recreational or commercial operations, though local city/county permits may be required depending on jurisdiction. Standard California business licensing applies to commercial drone operators.
Permits may be required at local/municipal level (check with city/county). No state-level permit required.
Not legally mandated but strongly recommended for commercial operations. Industry standard is $1 million in general liability coverage for commercial work. Annual premiums typically $500-$1,200 depending on operation type.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
FAA certification required for commercial drone operations
California pilots conducting any commercial or for-hire drone work must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) via a $175 knowledge test covering 60 multiple-choice questions on airspace, weather, and regulations. The certificate is valid for 24 months before recurrent testing required. California has dozens of PSI testing centers.
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID broadcasting mandatory for all outdoor flights since March 16, 2024
Every drone flown outdoors must broadcast its ID, location, and altitude via Remote ID, either through direct broadcast or via network connection to FAA servers. Exception: flights inside FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). California has a growing list of FRIA sites; check FAA FRIA map. Violation subject to FAA civil penalties up to $27,500.
Controlled Airspace (LAANC Authorization)
LAANC required for Class B, C, D, and surface-E airspace
California has extensive controlled airspace around major metros (LA Basin, SF Bay, San Diego, Sacramento). LAANC authorization is routine and typically near-instant. Multiple airports statewide offer LAANC through apps. Without LAANC approval, unauthorized flight in controlled airspace is a federal violation with penalties up to $32,666 per instance.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — 14 CFR § 91.137
Federal TFRs over disaster areas, wildfires, stadiums, and events
Flying inside an active wildfire TFR is a federal violation on top of state Penal Code § 402 penalties. Stadium TFRs (baseball, football, major events) cover a 3-nautical-mile radius up to 3,000 feet AGL from one hour before to one hour after the event. Check B4UFLY before every flight; wildfire TFRs can emerge within hours.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Free online test required for recreational drone operators
All recreational (non-commercial) drone pilots must pass the TRUST test before flying. Free, online, one-time; must provide certificate to law enforcement if asked. FAA maintains list of authorized TRUST test administrators.
National Airspace System (NAS) Registration
FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) required for all drones over 250g
All drones exceeding 250 grams (0.55 lb) must be registered with the FAA. Registration is valid for 3 years. Registration number must be visibly marked on the aircraft exterior. Violation of registration requirement can result in FAA civil penalties.
Stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions
Federal 14 CFR § 99.7 TFRs for sporting events
Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium, Rose Bowl, Oracle Park, Levi's Stadium, Petco Park, LA Coliseum, and Angel Stadium all fall under federal TFRs during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I, and major motor-sport events. Violators have received jail time and five-figure fines.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
California 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
Extensive LAANC coverage at 726+ airports statewide. Authorized through apps like DJI Fly, Aloft, AirHub, and UASidekick. Authorization is typically near-instant for recreational and commercial fliers.
Major Airports
LAX — Los Angeles InternationalSFO — San Francisco InternationalSAN — San Diego International (Lindbergh Field)OAK — Oakland InternationalSJC — San José Mineta InternationalSMF — Sacramento InternationalBUR — Burbank AirportLGB — Long Beach AirportSNA — Santa Ana (John Wayne) AirportONT — Ontario International
TFR Notice
California experiences frequent Temporary Flight Restrictions due to wildfires (especially seasonally), stadium events (MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football), and presidential/VIP visits. Wildfire TFRs can rapidly escalate during fire season. Check B4UFLY or NOTAM search before every flight. Flying in a wildfire TFR violates federal 14 CFR § 91.137 and state Penal Code § 402.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Palisades Fire Super Scooper Incident
enforcementA civilian drone flown by Peter Tripp Akemann of Culver City struck and damaged a Quebec-owned CL-415 Super Scooper air tanker fighting the Palisades Fire, punching a three-by-six-inch hole in its wing. The aircraft was pulled from the fire line for five days. Akemann pleaded guilty to federal unsafe-operation statute and drew 14 days federal prison, 30 days home detention, 150 hours community service, and $156,000 restitution.
Pending Legislation
AB 1749Do pass approved by committee (Aug 2026); awaiting final passageInterfering with Wildfire Suppression and Emergency Responses with Drone
Would add Section 1708.83 to the Civil Code creating a dedicated civil penalty of up to $75,000 per violation for operating a drone at an emergency scene in a way that impedes response personnel. Civil enforcement authority would sit with the Attorney General, county counsel, or city attorney. Pilots holding an FAA Part 107 operational waiver would be exempt.
Last action: August 13, 2026
AB 426Held in committee under submission (Aug 2025)Impeding Emergency Response with Drone
Adds Section 1708.83 to the Civil Code relating to civil penalties for operating a drone to impede emergency response operations.
Last action: August 29, 2025
SB 260Referred to Assembly committees (June 2026)Unmanned Aircraft
Adds Section 2036 to the Insurance Code, amends Penal Code Sections 626.8 and 4577, and adds Sections 402.5 and 402.6 to Penal Code, relating to unmanned aircraft and insurance coverage for drone operations.
Last action: June 8, 2026
AB 2113In Senate committees (as of Aug 2026)Aviation: Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Ticketed Entertainment Events and Amusement Parks
Adds Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 21750) to Division 9 of the Public Utilities Code, relating to aviation and UAS operations at ticketed entertainment events and amusement parks.
Last action: August 11, 2026
AB 2043Passed Assembly with urgency clause; referred to Senate committees (May 2026)Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force
Adds Article 4.2 (commencing with Section 8577) to Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code to establish a Countering UAS Task Force with urgency. Takes effect immediately upon passage.
Last action: May 22, 2026
AB 75Held in committee under submission (Aug 2025)Residential Property Insurance Images
Adds Section 2035 to the Insurance Code relating to use of drone images in residential property insurance inspections and requirements for insurer notification and consent.
Last action: August 29, 2025
SB 93Returned to Secretary of Senate (Feb 2026) — Dead/InactiveWeapons: Robotic Devices
Would add Section 18722 to the Penal Code relating to robotic devices and potential weaponization. Bill did not advance.
Last action: February 2, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Stanford prohibits unauthorized drone operations on campus. All UAS flights require pre-approval from the Environmental Health & Safety department and Stanford Department of Public Safety. Restrictions: Strict prohibition on unauthorized flights. No flights over Main Quad, athletic facilities, or residential areas without specific prior approval from both EHS and DPS. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Department of Public Safety — ehs@stanford.edu |
| University of California, Berkeley | UC Berkeley requires all drone operations to comply with UC system-wide drone policy. All flights require approval from the Office of Environment, Health & Safety. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights on campus. UC system-wide policy applies across all UC campuses. Pre-approval mandatory. | Yes | Office of Environment, Health & Safety — ehs@berkeley.edu |
| University of California, Los Angeles | UCLA follows UC system-wide drone policy requiring pre-approval for all campus UAS operations. Stadium TFR applies during football games at the Rose Bowl. Restrictions: UC system-wide pre-approval required before any campus flights. Rose Bowl stadium TFR applies during UCLA football games and other major events. | Yes | UCLA Office of Environment, Health & Safety — ehs@ucla.edu |
| University of Southern California | USC prohibits unauthorized drone flights on campus. All operations require approval from the Department of Public Safety and the Office of Environmental Health & Safety. Restrictions: No unauthorized campus flights. LA Memorial Coliseum TFR applies during football games. No flights over buildings, crowds, or sensitive areas without prior approval. | Yes | Department of Public Safety / Environmental Health & Safety — dps@usc.edu |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | UCSB allows recreational drone flight on limited areas of campus with approval. Flights must be restricted to designated areas south of Campbell Hall and west of Steck Traffic Circle. Restrictions: Recreational flights restricted to area south of Campbell Hall and west of Steck Traffic Circle. All requests must be approved by campus administration. Faculty, staff, and students may submit flight requests. | Yes | UCSB Administration / Environmental Health & 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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