Indiana Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Indiana maintains a moderate regulatory posture with targeted drone-specific criminal statutes addressing privacy, harassment, hunting, and critical infrastructure. The state does not require separate drone registration or licensing beyond federal FAA requirements, but enforces strict penalties for misuse, including felony charges for repeat offenses, voyeurism, and surveillance violations. State parks and correctional facilities are off-limits without permits.
State Drone Laws
IC 35-45-4-5(g)Remote Aerial Voyeurism
Prohibits operating a drone with intent to peep into an occupied dwelling or to capture images of intimate areas. Amended by HEA 1047 (2024) to include AI-generated and digitally altered intimate imagery. Base offense is Class A misdemeanor; escalates to Level 6 felony if operator has prior voyeurism conviction, publishes material, or transmits to another person.
IC 35-46-8.5-1Unlawful Photography, Surveillance, and Tracking on Private Property
Makes it illegal to knowingly place surveillance equipment or tracking equipment on another person's private property without consent. Applies to drone-based surveillance and tracking of private property.
IC 35-33-5-9Law Enforcement Drone Use — Search Warrant Requirement
Requires law enforcement officers to obtain a search warrant before using a drone to conduct surveillance or obtain photographs/videos of private property without owner consent. Exceptions: aerial photographs of motor vehicle accidents on public streets, searches where warrant would not be required for non-drone search, and consent from affected property owner. Evidence obtained in violation is inadmissible.
IC 14-22-6-16Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Aid Hunting
Prohibits using a drone to search for, scout, locate, or detect a wild animal as an aid to hunting during open season or in the 14 days immediately preceding the opening day. Amended March 2024 to allow drone use only for recovery of legally harvested animals, with infrared technology permitted. Recovery flights must occur without active hunting or hunting implements in use by recovery party. Violations can be reported to Indiana DNR Turn In a Poacher (1-800-TIP-IDNR).
312 IAC 8-2-8(i)Prohibition of Motor-Driven Airborne Devices at DNR Properties
Prohibits operation of motor-driven airborne devices, including drones, at all Department of Natural Resources properties except at sites designated for that purpose. Applies to state parks, state forests, state recreation areas, nature preserves, fish and wildlife areas, and reservoir properties. Narrow exceptions require advance written permission: professional journalists (with FAA license documentation), university-affiliated researchers (with DNR research permit), and state/regional/county tourism agencies (with FAA license and insurance proof).
IC 35-45-10-6Remote Aerial Harassment
Prohibits knowingly or intentionally operating a drone with the intent to harass, intimidate, or follow another person. Codified by SB 299 (2017) and clarified by HB 1249 (2026) that certain uses of a drone constitute remote aerial harassment.
IC 35-42-4-12.5Sex Offender Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Offense
Prohibits registered sex offenders from using a drone to follow, contact, or capture images/recordings of another person without consent, or in violation of their registration conditions or community corrections restrictions.
Public Safety Remote Aerial Interference OffenseInterference with Public Safety Officials
Prohibits knowingly or intentionally operating a drone in a manner that interferes with or obstructs a public safety official in the course of their duties.
HB 1013Aerial Photography of Traffic Crash Sites
Permits the use of drones to photograph or record video at motor vehicle accident sites on public streets and highways.
SB 182Regulation of Drones Near Correctional Facilities
Regulates drone operation near state correctional facilities. Prohibits drone-assisted contraband delivery and drone interference at state correctional facilities. Creates criminal offenses for unauthorized drone activity at designated correctional sites.
IC 35-46-10-2Critical Infrastructure Facility Trespass
Prohibits knowingly entering the real property of a listed critical infrastructure facility without permission. While primarily addressing ground-level trespass, application to drone overflight of critical facilities is contested but treated seriously by law enforcement, particularly at NSWC Crane facility in Martin County (a Department of Defense electronic warfare center and Counter-UAS research site).
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Fort Wayne
cityFort Wayne Municipal Code § 96.30 — Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Requires drone operators to notify Fort Wayne before flying in specified restricted zones. Notification must include operator contact information, purpose (recreational or commercial), FAA registration and Remote Pilot Certificate numbers, proposed area and time of operation, takeoff/landing location, property owner permissions, and liability insurance details if applicable.
Restrictions
Flight notification required in: (1) Downtown Aerial District (5,500 ft radius from 100 block W Main St); (2) 2.5 miles around Fort Wayne International Airport; (3) 5,500 feet around Smith Field; (4) 2,500 feet around Parkview Randallia, Lutheran, or Dupont hospitals; (5) 2,500 feet around Army Reserve facility; (6) within 500 yards horizontally or above any public event. Contact Fort Wayne Police Department at 260-427-6155 before operating.
Indianapolis
cityIndianapolis Parks and Recreation Drone Authorization Requirement
Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation requires advance authorization for drone use on city park property, including Eagle Creek Park (approximately 3,900 acres, largest in system) and other municipal parks. White River State Park, while located in downtown Indianapolis, is administered separately by the White River State Park Development Commission.
Restrictions
Advance authorization required from Indy Parks. Indianapolis Motor Speedway maintains year-round property-level ban on all drones across Speedway property, independent of race event TFRs.
Carmel
cityCarmel City Code § 6-69 — Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Restricts drone operation in residential areas, around schools, and within 500 yards of public events. Operators must register, obtain operator licensure, and receive approval consistent with state and federal law before operating.
Restrictions
No operation within 500 yards horizontally or above public events without prior approval. Restricted in residential areas and around schools without property owner/operator permission.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote aerial voyeurism (IC 35-45-4-5(g)) — first offense | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Indiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced to Level 6 felony if operator has prior voyeurism conviction, publishes captured material, or transmits to another person |
| Remote aerial voyeurism with prior conviction or distribution (IC 35-45-4-5(g)) — aggravated | Level 6 Felony | Up to $10,000 | 6 months to 2.5 years | Indiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Applies when defendant has prior voyeurism conviction, publishes images, or transmits material to others |
| Unlawful photography and surveillance on private property (IC 35-46-8.5-1) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement | Applies to placing surveillance/tracking equipment on private property without consent |
| Remote aerial harassment (IC 35-45-10-6) — first offense | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement | Covers harassment, intimidation, or following via drone |
| Remote aerial harassment (IC 35-45-10-6) — repeat offense | Level 6 Felony | Up to $10,000 | 6 months to 2.5 years | Local Law Enforcement | Escalated penalty for subsequent violations |
| Sex offender drone offense (IC 35-42-4-12.5) — first offense | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement | Applies to registered sex offenders using drones to follow/contact/record others |
| Sex offender drone offense (IC 35-42-4-12.5) — repeat offense | Level 6 Felony | Up to $10,000 | 6 months to 2.5 years | Local Law Enforcement | Escalated penalty for subsequent violations |
| Drone hunting — scouting/locating game (IC 14-22-6-16) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Indiana DNR / Conservation Officers | First criminal conviction in Indiana (March 2026, Pettit case) established strong DNR enforcement posture. License revocation possible. |
| Public safety remote aerial interference — first offense | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement | Interfering with public safety officials' duties via drone |
| Public safety remote aerial interference — repeat offense | Level 6 Felony | Up to $10,000 | 6 months to 2.5 years | Local Law Enforcement | Escalated penalty for subsequent violations |
| Drone operation on DNR property without authorization (312 IAC 8-2-8(i)) | Civil Violation | Civil penalties (amount varies) | None | Indiana Conservation Officers | Loss of DNR privileges possible. Narrow exceptions for journalists, researchers, tourism agencies |
| Critical infrastructure trespass via drone (IC 35-46-10-2) | Level 6 Felony | Up to $10,000 | 6 months to 2.5 years | Federal / State Law Enforcement | Serious concern at NSWC Crane facility (Martin County) — a Department of Defense electronic warfare center |
| Fort Wayne drone notification violation (§ 96.30) | Municipal Violation | Varies by municipal code | None typically | Fort Wayne Police Department | Failure to notify city before flying in restricted zones |
| Federal stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7) | Federal Civil / Criminal | Up to $30,000 civil penalty | Possible criminal referral under 49 USC § 46307 | FAA / U.S. Attorney | Applies to Indianapolis Motor Speedway (3nm radius, surface to 3,000 ft during events), Lucas Oil Stadium, Notre Dame Stadium |
| National Park drone operation (Indiana Dunes National Park) | Class B Federal Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service | NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 blanket ban on all drones in National Parks |
Remote aerial voyeurism (IC 35-45-4-5(g)) — first offense
Enhanced to Level 6 felony if operator has prior voyeurism conviction, publishes captured material, or transmits to another person
Remote aerial voyeurism with prior conviction or distribution (IC 35-45-4-5(g)) — aggravated
Applies when defendant has prior voyeurism conviction, publishes images, or transmits material to others
Unlawful photography and surveillance on private property (IC 35-46-8.5-1)
Applies to placing surveillance/tracking equipment on private property without consent
Remote aerial harassment (IC 35-45-10-6) — first offense
Covers harassment, intimidation, or following via drone
Remote aerial harassment (IC 35-45-10-6) — repeat offense
Escalated penalty for subsequent violations
Sex offender drone offense (IC 35-42-4-12.5) — first offense
Applies to registered sex offenders using drones to follow/contact/record others
Sex offender drone offense (IC 35-42-4-12.5) — repeat offense
Escalated penalty for subsequent violations
Drone hunting — scouting/locating game (IC 14-22-6-16)
First criminal conviction in Indiana (March 2026, Pettit case) established strong DNR enforcement posture. License revocation possible.
Public safety remote aerial interference — first offense
Interfering with public safety officials' duties via drone
Public safety remote aerial interference — repeat offense
Escalated penalty for subsequent violations
Drone operation on DNR property without authorization (312 IAC 8-2-8(i))
Loss of DNR privileges possible. Narrow exceptions for journalists, researchers, tourism agencies
Critical infrastructure trespass via drone (IC 35-46-10-2)
Serious concern at NSWC Crane facility (Martin County) — a Department of Defense electronic warfare center
Fort Wayne drone notification violation (§ 96.30)
Failure to notify city before flying in restricted zones
Federal stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7)
Applies to Indianapolis Motor Speedway (3nm radius, surface to 3,000 ft during events), Lucas Oil Stadium, Notre Dame Stadium
National Park drone operation (Indiana Dunes National Park)
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 blanket ban on all drones in National Parks
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Indiana 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
- Federal FAA Registration — $5 for 3 yearsFederal fee required for all drones over 0.55 lbs (250g). This is a FEDERAL fee, not a state fee, but noted for completeness.
- Fort Wayne Flight Notification — No fee, notification onlyFort Wayne requires operators to file a notification form before flying in specified zones (Downtown Aerial District, airport areas, hospitals, military facilities, public events). Contact: 260-427-6155
Indiana does not require separate state-level drone registration, licensing, or commercial operator permits beyond federal FAA requirements. All drone operators must comply with FAA registration ($5 for 3 years for drones over 0.55 lbs) and obtain either a TRUST certificate (recreational) or FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial). No state registration agency, fees, or state-specific licensing program exists. Indiana does not impose state-level sales tax on drone purchases or classify drones as aircraft for tax purposes.
No state-level permit required for recreational or commercial drone operations. However, specific locations require local permits: (1) Fort Wayne requires flight notification in restricted zones (not a permit system but a notification requirement); (2) Indianapolis Parks requires advance authorization for operations on park property; (3) DNR properties require written permits with narrow exceptions; (4) Some private entities (universities, private facilities) require permits.
No state-level insurance requirement for commercial drone operations. However, most commercial clients expect liability insurance. Pending legislation (HB 1064, in committee) would require liability insurance for UAVs 55+ pounds.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rule
Governs commercial drone operations nationwide
Commercial pilots in Indiana must obtain FAA Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 knowledge test, valid 24 months). Part 107 covers operations under 55 lbs, line-of-sight requirement, 400 ft AGL altitude limit, daylight/civil twilight operations, and no flights over people without waiver. Indiana has no additional state licensing requirement; Part 107 certificate covers all commercial operations statewide.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Required for recreational drone flights
All recreational flyers in Indiana must pass the free TRUST test and carry proof of passage. No license required, but TRUST completion mandatory before first flight. Test covers safety, airspace awareness, and regulatory knowledge.
Remote ID Requirement
Mandatory since March 16, 2024
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information (standard, broadcast module, or FRIA). Exceptions available for flights within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Indiana has a short periodically-updated list of FRIAs at faa.gov.
LAANC Authorization in Controlled Airspace
Required before launching in Class B, C, D, or surface Class E airspace
Indiana has four Class C airports (IND, FWA, SBN, EVV). LAANC provides near-real-time authorization for flights under 400 ft AGL. Available through multiple FAA-approved service providers via the B4UFLY app and other platforms.
Stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Federal restrictions apply during major sporting events
14 CFR § 99.7 establishes 3nm TFR (surface to 3,000 ft) around stadiums seating 30,000+ during qualifying events. In Indiana, this affects Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Indy 500, other major races), Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts), and Notre Dame Stadium (football). Violations enforced as federal civil penalties (up to $30,000) or criminal charges under 49 USC § 46307.
National Parks Blanket Drone Ban
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 prohibits all UAS operations in National Parks
Indiana Dunes National Park prohibits drone launch, landing, or operation within park boundaries. Penalty: Class B federal misdemeanor (up to 6 months imprisonment, $5,000 fine). Adjacent Indiana Dunes State Park similarly banned under 312 IAC 8-2-8(i).
National Forest Operations — Hoosier National Forest
More permissive than state parks; generally allows recreational UAS
FAA Part 107 and TRUST rules apply. Two exceptions: Charles C. Deam Wilderness (motorized equipment banned under 36 CFR § 261.18) and active fire operations. Elsewhere in Hoosier NF, standard FAA altitude, VLOS, and airspace rules apply.
Critical Military Installation Overflight — NSWC Crane
Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane is a high-security Department of Defense facility
Located in Martin County in southwest Indiana. NSWC Crane conducts Counter-UAS research and is extremely sensitive to civilian drone incursions. Federal law 18 U.S.C. § 795 prohibits photography of vital military installations. Unauthorized overflight treated as serious security incident. Authorized test flights operate under specific government authority only.
Over-People Operations and Night Flying Waivers
Part 107 Waiver Provisions (2021 updates)
Part 107 pilots may now conduct limited operations over people and at night without waivers, subject to specific operational requirements. Airspace authorization still required for night ops in controlled airspace under 400 ft AGL. Indiana has no additional restrictions on either category.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Indiana 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
LAANC authorization available at 726 airports nationwide, including Indiana's four Class C airports: Indianapolis International (IND), Fort Wayne International (FWA), South Bend International (SBN), and Evansville Regional (EVV). Recreational flyers and Part 107 pilots can request near-real-time LAANC authorization for flights under 400 feet AGL in controlled airspace.
Major Airports
IND — Indianapolis International Airport (Class C)FWA — Fort Wayne International Airport (Class C)SBN — South Bend International Airport (Class C)EVV — Evansville Regional Airport (Class C)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions in effect during: (1) Indianapolis Motor Speedway events (Indy 500 and other major races) — 3nm radius, surface to 3,000 ft AGL, typically 1 hour before to 1 hour after event; (2) Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts home games) — 3nm radius, surface to 3,000 ft, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after kickoff; (3) Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend) — similar TFR during home football games; (4) Indianapolis Motor Speedway maintains year-round property-level ban independent of event TFRs. Check NOTAM system and B4UFLY app for active TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Indiana's First Criminal Drone Hunting Conviction — State v. Pettit
enforcementIndiana DNR prosecuted Rodney Pettit and Eric Pettit under IC 14-22-6-16 (drone hunting statute) after officers discovered geo-tagged, timestamped flight logs showing daily drone flights scouting a trophy deer during pre-season. Forensic analysis of drone flight data provided primary evidence. Pettit convicted and placed on probation; cousin Eric entered pretrial diversion. Marks first criminal prosecution under Indiana's amended drone hunting statute and signals active DNR enforcement posture on wildlife drone violations.
SB 182 Signed — Regulation of Drones Near Correctional Facilities
legislationGovernor signed SB 182 into law, establishing criminal offenses for drone-assisted contraband delivery and interference at state correctional facilities. Reflects growing concern about unmanned systems used to deliver contraband (drugs, weapons, phones) into prisons.
HEA 1047 Takes Effect — Enhanced Remote Aerial Voyeurism Provisions
regulatory changeAmendment to IC 35-45-4-5(g) expands definition of 'peeping' to include 'using a concealed camera with the intent of capturing an intimate image' and extends statute to AI-generated and digitally altered intimate imagery. Signed by Governor Holcomb on March 12, 2024, effective July 1, 2024.
Pending Legislation
HB 1064In Committee (referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code)Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Comprehensive UAV regulation package. Makes repeated operation over private property a nuisance with civil and criminal penalties (increased for agricultural property). Operating a UAV not more than 100 feet above private real property or landing on private property constitutes civil trespass. Creates criminal offenses for UAV operation over certain places/people/animals (livestock). Data collection of individuals/property is Class A misdemeanor; Level 6 felony if subject involves critical infrastructure. Requires persons operating UAVs 55+ lbs to carry liability insurance; authorizes Department of Homeland Security to develop UAV insurance compliance verification program.
Last action: January 12, 2026
SB 0281In House (referred to Committee on Ways and Means as of 2026-02-12)Income Tax Credits and UAS Test Site Program Administration
Authorizes IEDC and operating partner to administer the federal Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site program in Indiana. References allocation of $15,000,000 in redevelopment tax credits and establishment of small town opportunity initiative. Not primarily a drone regulation but indicates state interest in UAS infrastructure and testing.
Last action: February 12, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University Bloomington | IU requires all UAS operations on university property to be approved by the Office of Environmental, Health & Safety Management. Memorial Stadium TFR applies during football games (federal constraint). Restrictions: All drone flights require advance EHS approval. No recreational drone use on campus. Memorial Stadium subject to federal TFR during athletic events. | Yes | Office of Environmental, Health & Safety Management — ehs@iu.edu |
| Purdue University | Purdue requires all drone flights on university property to be approved through the Office of Environmental Health and Public Safety. Maintains active UAS research program through the School of Aviation. Ross-Ade Stadium subject to federal TFR during athletic events. Restrictions: All campus flights require approval from Office of Environmental Health and Public Safety. Ross-Ade Stadium TFR during home football games. No recreational flights without authorization. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health and Public Safety — ehps@purdue.edu |
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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