Connecticut Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA

Prohibits operating a drone less than 250 feet above ground level or within 100 horizontal feet of critical infrastructure facilities, or conducting surveillance of such facilities with a drone. Critical infrastructure includes electrical generating facilities, substations and switchyards, fuel and petroleum storage, chemical and rubber plants, correctional facilities, telecommunications central offices and wireless infrastructure, ports and harbors, rail yards and freight terminals, gas plants, FCC-licensed TV and radio transmission sites, above-ground oil, gas, and chemical pipelines, high or significant-hazard dams, air navigation facilities, military facilities, reservoirs and water and wastewater treatment plants, defense-contractor facilities, government office buildings, hospitals, public-safety buildings, and state or locally-owned bridges. Facilities must be fenced, barriered, or posted with sign banning drone operation. Includes interior of tunnels on limited-access highways. Exceptions exist for authorized workers performing legitimate work.

Prohibits equipping any drone or aircraft with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, firearm, ammunition, explosive, or incendiary device. Exceptions exist only for armed-forces members performing official duties, or police officers, firefighters, and emergency management directors using a drone equipped with a motorized breaching tool during rescue or emergency services.

Prohibits state agencies, municipalities, and their contractors from purchasing or operating drones manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities (currently China and Russia per federal designation). Phased timeline: Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection cannot purchase after October 1, 2025 and cannot operate after October 1, 2027. All other state agencies, municipalities, and contractors cannot purchase after October 1, 2026 and cannot operate after October 1, 2028. Does not apply to private or commercial pilots, who may operate any FAA-approved drone.

Prohibits Connecticut municipalities from enacting or enforcing ordinances that regulate the ownership, possession, purchase, sale, use, transportation, or operation of commercial unmanned aircraft, subject to state and federal law. A municipality that is also a water company may enact and enforce ordinances regulating or prohibiting drone use or operation over public water supply and Class I or Class II watershed land, provided such ordinances do not conflict with federal law. Creates split preemption: commercial (Part 107) operations fully preempted statewide; municipalities retain authority to regulate recreational drone flight.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) prohibits the use of remote-controlled model aircraft or drones at Connecticut State Parks, State Forests, or other lands under DEEP control. Drones may operate on DEEP lands only if specifically authorized by the Commissioner through a Special Use License. Prohibition based on safety concerns, noise impacts on park users, and wildlife disturbance. Recreational flights are rarely approved; authorization typically granted only for research, wildlife management, or approved commercial projects.

Prohibits knowingly photographing, filming, or recording another person without their knowledge and consent while that person is not in plain view and has a reasonable expectation of privacy, with intent to arouse or satisfy sexual desire. Statute explicitly applies to surveillance via drone. 'In plain view' does not include views achieved by recording under or around someone's clothing. Covers drone recording through bedroom windows, over privacy-fenced backyards, or similar scenarios involving reasonable expectation of privacy.

Authorizes municipalities that operate as water companies to regulate or prohibit drone operations over public water supply and Class I or Class II watershed land under their jurisdiction. This exception to the commercial preemption applies to both recreational and commercial drones in these specific areas.

Connecticut DEEP prohibits using aircraft, including drones, to hunt, pursue, harass, or herd wildlife. The only exception is using a drone to recover game on private land with landowner's permission; game recovery never allowed on or over state land. Pre-hunt scouting with drones is prohibited. Operator may need Connecticut hunting license depending on extent of drone involvement.

Municipal Code — Prohibition of Drones in Parks

Prohibits the possession or operation of motorized toys or models, including drones, within any Greenwich park or recreation area except at times and places designated by the Director.

Parks and Recreation Facility Regulations Section 175-1-28

Allows the Parks and Recreation Commission to designate certain areas within parks for operation of powered remote-controlled aircraft and remote-controlled ground vehicles. Commission may issue permits for professional UAV operators certified by the FAA for professional operations including cinematography, news-gathering, and other authorized professional activities.

Local Drone and RC Aircraft Ordinance

Prohibits flying drones over residential property without the property owner's consent. Additionally prohibits flying drones within 100 feet of schools without written permission from the school administrator. Requires compliance with wildlife protection regulations.