Federal Drone Regulations
FAA Part 107, Remote ID, airspace rules, and everything else you need to know about flying drones legally in the United States.
14 CFR Part 107 — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Part 107 establishes operational requirements for civil small UAS. Current regulations prohibit BVLOS operations, night operations (except with waiver), and operations over human beings (with exceptions for Category 1-4 operations meeting performance standards). Amendment 107-10 (Dec 2022) updated safety event reporting. Major proposed changes to BVLOS authorization are pending.
§ 107.31 - Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Requirement
Remote pilot must maintain VLOS of the UAS at all times during flight. BVLOS operations currently require waivers; proposed normalization of BVLOS rules expected 2026.
§ 107.29 - Night Operations
UAS cannot operate at night (30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise) except under waiver or WAIVER exemption. Anti-collision lighting may allow operations at dusk/dawn under certain conditions.
§ 107.39 - Operations Over Human Beings
Prohibited except under waiver or Categories 1-4 compliance. Category 1: small aircraft, low-speed, low-weight. Categories 2-3: aircraft meeting performance standards. Category 4: operations meeting detailed performance and operating requirements (Amdt. 107-8, effective Jan 2021).
§ 107.41 - Airspace Restrictions
No operations in Class B, C, D airspace or surface area of Class E without ATC authorization. All operations restricted by NOTAMs, TFRs, and prohibited/restricted areas.
§ 107.36 - Hazardous Materials Prohibition
Small UAS cannot carry hazardous materials as defined in 49 CFR 171.8. However, 2026-15823 increases MOT exception allowances for lithium batteries, potentially affecting drone battery transport logistics.
§ 107.9 - Safety Event Reporting
Remote pilot must report safety events within 10 calendar days (Amdt. 107-10, Dec 2022). Reporting criteria defined in part (a) or (b).
14 CFR Part 89 — Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft
Part 89 mandates remote identification for all UAS operating in U.S. airspace. Effective Sept 16, 2023. Two compliance methods: standard remote identification (broadcast from aircraft) or alternative remote ID (broadcast module or hybrid). All aircraft must comply unless exempted.
§ 89.105 - Remote Identification Requirement
After Sept 16, 2023, all unmanned aircraft operating in U.S. airspace must comply with remote ID via § 89.110 (standard remote ID) or § 89.115 (alternative remote ID). Exemptions available under § 89.120.
§ 89.110 - Standard Remote Identification
Aircraft broadcasts remote ID message elements directly. Must meet minimum performance requirements: 400 ft range, 1 Hz broadcast rate, UTC time sync, serial number, control station location, and takeoff location.
§ 89.115 - Alternative Remote Identification
Operators may use remote identification broadcast modules (§ 89.115(a)) or submit means of compliance (§ 89.115(b)). Modules must broadcast aircraft identity, control station location, takeoff location, and other required elements.
§ 89.125 - ADS-B Out Prohibition
ADS-B Out equipment cannot be used to satisfy remote ID requirements.
§ 89.505 & §§ 89.510-89.520 - Production Requirements
All producers of remote ID UAS must assign ANSI/CTA-2063-A serial numbers. Standard remote ID aircraft and broadcast modules must comply with labeling and declaration of compliance requirements.
14 CFR Part 48 — UAS Registration
Part 48 establishes registration requirements for small UAS. All civil small UAS must be registered except those operated exclusively for limited recreational purposes. Registration valid for 3 years.
§ 48.15 - Registration Requirement
No person may operate a civil small UAS eligible for registration under 49 U.S.C. 44101-44103 unless registered or exempt. Exemption for limited recreational operations only.
§ 48.100 - Non-Recreational Operations
Certificate of Aircraft Registration issued per § 48.100 constitutes registration for a specific small UAS used for commercial or other non-recreational purposes.
§ 48.105 - Recreational Operations
Certificate issued per § 48.105 for small UAS exclusively for limited recreational operations constitutes registration for ALL aircraft owned by individual operated for recreational purposes.
§ 48.115 - Display Requirements
Unique identifier must be displayed on aircraft exterior per § 48.205. Identifier must be legible and affixed in manner that remains during flight.
Important Notice
Federal regulations are the baseline. Many states and municipalities impose additional requirements. Always check your specific state's drone laws before flying.