Indiana Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Indiana maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with targeted state laws addressing privacy, criminal misuse, law enforcement procedures, and hunting restrictions. Recent 2026 legislation expanded the regulatory landscape significantly: SB 0227 (Public Law 72) designates the Indiana State Police as the statewide counter-UAS coordinating agency, and HB 1249 (Public Law 158) creates new criminal penalties for drone-based harassment. Pending legislation (HB 1064) could further restrict drone operations over private property and critical infrastructure. Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 certification and local ordinances in Fort Wayne require notification for certain airspace zones.
State Drone Laws
IC 35-31.5-2-285Sex Offender Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Offense
Creates a criminal offense when a sex offender uses a UAV to follow, contact, or capture images or recordings of someone in violation of court-ordered conditions prohibiting such contact. Class A misdemeanor; becomes Level 6 felony if defendant has prior conviction under same section.
IC 35-31.5-2-286Public Safety Remote Aerial Interference Offense
Creates a criminal offense when a person operates a UAV in a way intended to obstruct or interfere with a public safety official in the course of their duties. Class A misdemeanor; becomes Level 6 felony if defendant has prior conviction under same section.
IC 9-32-27Drone Photography of Traffic Crash Sites
Allows the use of drones to photograph or take video of a traffic crash site for legitimate purposes such as accident investigation and documentation.
IC 14-8-2-86Prohibition on Scouting Game with Drones During Hunting Season
Prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAVs) to scout game animals during hunting season. This law prevents hunters from using drone technology for reconnaissance to locate and track wildlife.
IC 35-48-1-14Unlawful Photography and Surveillance on Private Property
Makes it unlawful to knowingly and intentionally conduct electronic surveillance of the private property of another without permission. Specifically addresses drone use to conduct surveillance that violates reasonable expectations of privacy.
IC 35-43-5Warrant Requirements and Exceptions for Police Drone Use
Establishes warrant requirements and exceptions for law enforcement use of drones and real-time geo-location tracking devices. Requires a warrant for police drone surveillance except in emergency situations or when used for traffic investigation.
IAC 312 8-2-8(i)Prohibition of Drones on DNR Property
Prohibits the use of drones on Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property such as state parks, natural areas, and recreational areas. Licenses to launch and film may occasionally be granted by DNR or specific DNR divisions.
Public Law 72 (2026) - SB 0227Counter-UAS Statewide Coordination — Indiana State Police Designation
Designates the Indiana State Police as the statewide coordinating agency for counter-UAS activities authorized under federal law. Counter-UAS activities may be performed only if expressly authorized under federal law and after the governor publishes notice in the Indiana Register. Allows the Indiana State Police to designate local law enforcement agencies as participating agencies and designates Indianapolis as a pilot project location for counter-UAS operations.
Public Law 158 (2026) - HB 1249Remote Aerial Harassment
Specifies that certain uses of a drone constitute remote aerial harassment and establishes associated criminal penalties. Enacted as part of broader criminal law legislation addressing multiple topics including OWI, battery offenses, and dangerous possession of firearms.
Public Law 87 (2026) - HB 1268UAS Test Site Program — IEDC Administration
Authorizes the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and an operating partner to administer the federal Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site program in Indiana as part of defense development initiatives. Expands the Indiana Defense Task Force and supports UAS testing and development infrastructure in the state.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Fort Wayne
cityFort Wayne City Ordinance § 96.30 - Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Requires UAS operators to notify the city before flying in the Downtown Aerial District or within 500 yards of public events. Notification must include operator information, purpose, FAA certificates, proposed area and time of operation, and insurance information.
Restrictions
Mandatory notification required for operations in Downtown Aerial District or within 500-yard radius of public events. Must provide operator contact info, FAA registration and remote pilot certificate numbers, operation purpose, proposed area/time, and insurance details.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex Offender Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Offense (IC 35-31.5-2-285) | Class A Misdemeanor; Level 6 Felony (with prior conviction) | Up to $5,000 for misdemeanor | Up to 1 year for misdemeanor; 6 months to 2.5 years for Level 6 felony | Local Law Enforcement / Indiana State Police | Applies when sex offender uses drone to violate court-ordered conditions |
| Public Safety Remote Aerial Interference Offense (IC 35-31.5-2-286) | Class A Misdemeanor; Level 6 Felony (with prior conviction) | Up to $5,000 for misdemeanor | Up to 1 year for misdemeanor; 6 months to 2.5 years for Level 6 felony | Local Law Enforcement / Indiana State Police | Applies when drone operation intentionally obstructs or interferes with public safety official duties |
| Unlawful Photography and Surveillance on Private Property (IC 35-48-1-14) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement / Indiana State Police | Applies to electronic surveillance via drone violating reasonable privacy expectations |
| Prohibition on Scouting Game with Drones | Wildlife Violation | Up to $5,000 | Varies by DNR regulations | Indiana Department of Natural Resources / Conservation Officers | Specific penalties determined by DNR hunting regulations |
| Unauthorized Drone Operations on DNR Property | Park Regulation Violation | Up to $2,500 | Not specified | Indiana Department of Natural Resources | Civil penalties and potential loss of park access privileges |
| Remote Aerial Harassment (Public Law 158 / HB 1249) | To be verified against enrolled act — criminal penalty | To be determined per enrolled act text | To be determined per enrolled act text | Local Law Enforcement / Indiana State Police | Enacted March 2026; specific penalty classification requires verification against the enrolled act text in the Indiana Register |
Sex Offender Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Offense (IC 35-31.5-2-285)
Applies when sex offender uses drone to violate court-ordered conditions
Public Safety Remote Aerial Interference Offense (IC 35-31.5-2-286)
Applies when drone operation intentionally obstructs or interferes with public safety official duties
Unlawful Photography and Surveillance on Private Property (IC 35-48-1-14)
Applies to electronic surveillance via drone violating reasonable privacy expectations
Prohibition on Scouting Game with Drones
Specific penalties determined by DNR hunting regulations
Unauthorized Drone Operations on DNR Property
Civil penalties and potential loss of park access privileges
Remote Aerial Harassment (Public Law 158 / HB 1249)
Enacted March 2026; specific penalty classification requires verification against the enrolled act text in the Indiana Register
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Indiana does not impose state-specific drone registration requirements. All commercial and recreational operators must comply with federal FAA registration requirements for aircraft over 0.55 lbs (250g).
No statewide permit required. Local ordinances (e.g., Fort Wayne) may require notification for operations in specific airspace zones. DNR property requires a license for filming.
No state-mandated insurance requirement, though Fort Wayne ordinance requires disclosure of liability insurance information if applicable. Pending HB 1064, if enacted, would require liability insurance for operators of UAVs weighing at least 55 pounds.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Certification
All commercial drone operations in Indiana must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule requirements.
Commercial drone pilots must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. Operations must comply with altitude restrictions (400 feet AGL), airspace limitations, and visual line-of-sight requirements. Part 107 waivers are available for certain operations.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone pilots must complete the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test.
All recreational drone operators in Indiana must pass the free FAA TRUST test. Drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) require FAA registration ($5 fee). Operators must maintain visual line-of-sight, stay below 400 feet AGL, and follow FAA recreational model aircraft rules.
Remote ID Compliance
FAA Remote ID requirements apply to most drone operations in Indiana.
All commercial and recreational drones (except in certain legacy classes) must comply with FAA Remote ID rules, effective September 16, 2023. This includes drone registration, pilot knowledge requirements, and submission of operator information. Non-compliance can result in enforcement actions and substantial penalties.
Federal UAS Airspace Restrictions
Indiana airspace is subject to federal restrictions under 14 CFR Part 107 and NOTAM procedures.
Drone operations near airports, military installations, national parks, and during special events are restricted or require special authorization. Operators must check NOTAMs, use the FAA B4UFly app, and obtain LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace. The FAA's UAS Facility Maps provide airspace classification data.
Certificate of Authorization (COA) for Government Operations
Government agencies and law enforcement in Indiana may operate drones under COA authority.
Federal, state, and local government entities can apply for Certificates of Authorization to operate drones for official purposes. COA applications are reviewed by the FAA and typically authorize operations in airspace otherwise restricted to Part 107 operators. Law enforcement must also comply with state warrant requirements under IC 35-43-5.
Federal Counter-UAS Authority and State Coordination
Indiana's Public Law 72 (2026) aligns state counter-UAS activities with federal authority under 49 U.S.C. § 44809 and related statutes.
The Indiana State Police is now designated as the statewide coordinating agency for counter-UAS activities, but only to the extent expressly authorized under federal law. Indianapolis is designated as a pilot project location. This law reflects the intersection of federal airspace authority (FAA) and state-level public safety operations, ensuring Indiana does not overstep federal preemption of airspace regulation while still enabling defensive measures against rogue drone operations.
Federal UAS Test Site Program
Indiana is authorized to administer a federal FAA UAS Test Site program through the IEDC.
Public Law 87 (2026) / HB 1268 directs the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and an operating partner to administer the federal UAS Test Site program in Indiana. This connects Indiana directly to FAA-sanctioned UAS testing infrastructure and may create opportunities for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and advanced operations testing under FAA oversight.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available throughout Indiana for airspace authorization and notification.
Major Airports
IND — Indianapolis International AirportSBN — South Bend International AirportEVV — Evansville Regional AirportFWA — Fort Wayne International Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are frequently established around major events (e.g., Indianapolis 500, Purdue/IU football games) and critical infrastructure. Indianapolis has been designated as a pilot project location for counter-UAS operations per Public Law 72 (2026). Check NOTAM system and FAA B4UFly app for current TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Federal Agencies Boost Drone Violation Penalties
enforcementFederal agencies increased penalties for drone violations following detection of unauthorized drones over restricted airspace (Fort McNair). Enhanced enforcement posture announced.
US Agencies Step Up Enforcement on Rogue Drones
enforcementUnmanned airspace reports indicate increased federal enforcement actions targeting unauthorized drone operations across the United States.
FAA Steps Up Drone Enforcement in 2025
enforcementFAA announces increased enforcement actions against drone operators for unsafe and unauthorized operations.
FAA Signals Tougher Stance on Unauthorized Drone Operations
enforcementFAA releases guidance signaling stricter enforcement and harsher penalties for drone pilots operating outside regulatory requirements.
Pending Legislation
HB 1064In CommitteeUnmanned Aerial Vehicles
Would make repeated UAV operations over private real property a nuisance with civil and criminal penalties, including increased penalties for agricultural property. Creates civil trespass for operating UAVs within 100 feet above private property or landing on private property. Establishes crimes for operating UAVs over critical infrastructure, collecting data/photos of individuals without consent (Class A misdemeanor, Level 6 felony for critical infrastructure). Requires liability insurance for operators of UAVs weighing at least 55 pounds.
Last action: January 12, 2026
SB 0281In Committee - House Ways and MeansIncome Tax Credits
Provides that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and an operating partner shall administer the federal Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site program in Indiana. Establishes framework for UAS testing and development in the state with associated tax incentives. Note: The UAS Test Site administration component was enacted separately via HB 1268 (Public Law 87); the tax credit provisions of SB 0281 remain pending.
Last action: February 12, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University Bloomington | IU Bloomington requires all UAS operations on university property to be approved by the Office of Environmental, Health & Safety Management. Memorial Stadium operates a TFR during football games. Restrictions: All drone flights require prior approval from EHS. No recreational drone use on campus. TFR applies at Memorial Stadium 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. Purdue operates an active UAS research program through the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology and has established protocols for research and commercial drone operations. Restrictions: Approval required for all campus flights. Ross-Ade Stadium TFR during football events. Specific restrictions vary based on research protocol approval. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health and Public Safety |
| University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame requires prior authorization for all UAS operations on university property. Operations are coordinated through the university's safety office and must comply with FAA regulations. Notre Dame Stadium has a stadium TFR during home football games. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all campus UAS operations. TFR applies at Notre Dame Stadium during home football games. Commercial filming requires additional university approval. | Yes | University Safety — safety@nd.edu |
| Ball State University | Ball State University requires all UAS operations on campus property to comply with FAA regulations and receive prior approval through the university's risk management or facilities management office. The university has an active media and journalism program that may conduct authorized drone operations. Restrictions: Prior approval required for all campus UAS flights. Must comply with all applicable FAA regulations including Part 107 for commercial operations. | Yes | Risk Management and Insurance |
| Indiana State University | Indiana State University requires prior authorization for drone flights on university property and compliance with FAA regulations. Operations must be coordinated with campus administration. Restrictions: Prior authorization required. Must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules. Campus operations subject to university approval. | Yes | Campus Administration / Facilities Management |
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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