Connecticut Drone Laws

Prohibits operating a drone less than 250 feet above ground level or within 100 horizontal feet of critical infrastructure facilities, or using a drone to surveil such facilities, without authorization. Covered facilities include electrical generating facilities, substations, fuel and petroleum storage, chemical and rubber plants, correctional facilities, telecommunications facilities, ports and harbors, rail yards and freight terminals, gas plants, FCC-licensed broadcast transmission sites, pipelines, dams, air navigation facilities, military facilities, reservoirs, water and wastewater treatment plants, defense contractor facilities, government office buildings, hospitals, public safety buildings, and state or local bridges. Facilities must be fenced, physically barriered, or posted with drone-ban signage.

Prohibits equipping a drone with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, firearm, ammunition, explosive, or incendiary device. Exception: armed-forces members performing official duties, or police officers, firefighters, and emergency management directors using a motorized breaching tool during authorized rescue or emergency services.

Prohibits state agencies, municipalities, and their contractors from purchasing drones manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities (currently China and Russia). The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (State Police) faces an earlier October 1, 2025 deadline. This applies only to government entities and contractors; private and commercial operators face no restriction.

Prohibits state agencies, municipalities, and their contractors from operating drones manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities (currently China and Russia). The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (State Police) faces an earlier October 1, 2027 deadline. This applies only to government entities and contractors; private and commercial operators face no restriction.

Prohibits municipalities from enacting or enforcing ordinances that regulate the ownership, possession, purchase, sale, use, transportation, or operation of commercial unmanned aircraft (defined as aircraft remotely piloted by an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate holder). Exception: municipalities that are also water companies may regulate drones over public water supply areas and Class I or Class II watershed land. This preemption gives commercial Part 107 operators statewide consistency that recreational pilots do not have.

Prohibits knowingly photographing, filming, or recording another person without knowledge and consent while the person is not in plain view and has a reasonable expectation of privacy, with intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desire. Drones used to surveil bedrooms, bathrooms, or privacy-fenced yards fall directly within this statute. 'In plain view' does not include views achieved by recording under or around someone's clothing or through windows.

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection prohibits using any aircraft, including drones, to hunt, pursue, harass, or herd wildlife. Pre-hunt scouting with drones is not permitted. Exception: drones may be used to recover game on private land with landowner permission only; never on or over state lands. Operator may need to hold a Connecticut hunting license depending on the extent of drone use.

Prohibits operation of drones (remote-controlled model aircraft) at Connecticut State Parks, State Forests, or any other land under the control of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, unless specifically authorized by the Commissioner in a Special Use License. Rationale: noise disturbance, wildlife disruption, and safety hazards from potential equipment failure.

Parks and Recreation Drone Prohibition

Prohibits possession and operation of drones within any town park or recreation area unless authorized by the Parks Director.

Parks and Recreation Facility Drone Operations

Parks and Recreation Commission and Office of Operations may designate certain areas in parks for operation of remote-controlled aircraft. Professional operators certified by the FAA may obtain a permit for professional activities (cinematography, news-gathering, other authorized work). Otherwise, remote-controlled aircraft prohibited in parks and recreational facilities.

Residential and School Proximity Drone Restrictions

Prohibits drone operation over residential property without owner consent and within 100 feet of schools without written school administrator permission. Prohibits wildlife disturbance.