Indiana Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Indiana has developed comprehensive drone regulations with particular emphasis on privacy protection, wildlife enforcement, and state property restrictions. The state maintains a blanket prohibition on drone operations at Department of Natural Resources properties, including all state parks, and has enacted targeted criminal statutes addressing aerial voyeurism, surveillance, harassment, and hunting abuse. Law enforcement use of drones requires a warrant absent narrow exceptions.
State Drone Laws
IC 35-45-4-5(g)Remote Aerial Voyeurism
Prohibits operating a drone with intent to peep into another person's occupied dwelling to capture images or recordings. Amended in 2024 to include use of concealed cameras and AI-generated intimate imagery.
IC 35-46-8.5-1Unlawful Photography and Surveillance on Private Property
Prohibits knowingly placing surveillance or tracking equipment on another person's private property without consent. Applies to drone-mounted surveillance equipment.
IC 35-33-5-9Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; Search Warrant
Requires law enforcement to obtain a search warrant before using a drone to conduct surveillance or obtain photographs/recordings of private property. Narrow exceptions exist for motor-vehicle accidents on public streets and situations where a warrant would not be required without a drone.
IC 14-22-6-16Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Aid Hunting
Prohibits using a drone to search for, scout, locate, or detect wild animals as an aid to hunting during open season or fourteen days before season opening. Exception added March 2024: drones may be used only to recover animals already legally harvested, with infrared technology permitted, provided no person in the recovery party is actively hunting or carrying hunting implements during the drone flight.
312 IAC 8-2-8(i)Prohibition of Motor-Driven Airborne Devices at DNR Properties
Prohibits operation of drones and motor-driven airborne devices at all Indiana Department of Natural Resources properties including state parks, state forests, state recreation areas, nature preserves, fish and wildlife areas, and reservoir properties. Narrow exceptions require advance written permission from property manager for journalists, university researchers, and tourism agencies.
IC 35-46-10-2Critical Infrastructure Facility Trespass
Prohibits knowingly entering real property of a critical infrastructure facility without permission. Applicability to drone overflight of such facilities is contested; overlaid with federal 18 U.S.C. § 795 regarding military installations.
IC 35-45-10-6Remote Aerial Harassment
Prohibits using a drone to harass, intimidate, or follow another person. Created by SB 299 (2017). Clarified in HB 1249 (2026) to specify certain drone conduct constitutes harassment.
IC 35-42-4-12.5Sex Offender Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Offense
Prohibits registered sex offenders from using drones to intentionally follow persons, contact persons, or deliberately capture images/recordings of persons without consent, particularly when such conduct could facilitate contact with minors or violate registration conditions. Created by SB 299 (2017).
Public Safety Remote Aerial Interference (SB 299)Public Safety Remote Aerial Interference Offense
Prohibits operating a drone in a manner that intentionally obstructs or interferes with a public safety official in the course of their duties. Created by SB 299 (2017).
HB 1013Unmanned Aircraft Photography at Traffic Crash Sites
Permits the use of drones to photograph or record video at motor-vehicle accident sites on public streets or highways, facilitating emergency response documentation.
SB 182Regulation of Drones Near Correctional Facilities
Establishes regulations prohibiting drone operation near state correctional facilities and criminalizing interference with drones used by correctional facility staff. Addresses use of drones to deliver contraband.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Fort Wayne
cityFort Wayne Municipal Code § 96.30 - Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Requires UAS operators to file a flight-notification form with the city before operating in specified zones. The most substantive local drone ordinance in Indiana.
Restrictions
Notification required before flights within: (1) Downtown Aerial District (5,500 feet radius from 100 block W Main St); (2) within 2.5 miles of Fort Wayne International Airport; (3) within 5,500 feet of Smith Field; (4) within 2,500 feet of Parkview Randallia, Lutheran, or Dupont hospitals; (5) within 2,500 feet of Army Reserve facility; (6) within 500 yards of any public event. Form must include operator info, FAA certificates, purpose, location, and any liability insurance.
Indianapolis
cityIndianapolis Parks Authorization Requirement
Indianapolis Parks Department requires advance authorization for drone use on city park property, including Eagle Creek Park (3,900 acres) and other city parks.
Restrictions
Advance permission required from Parks Department for any drone operations on city park property. Indianapolis Motor Speedway maintains independent year-round ban on drones across IMS property.
Carmel
cityCarmel City Code § 6-69 - Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Carmel restricts drone operations through registration, operator licensure requirements, and operational restrictions in residential areas and around schools.
Restrictions
Registration and operator licensure required. Approval required before operating within 500-yard horizontal radius of, or anywhere above, public events. Restrictions on operation in residential areas and around schools without permission.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote aerial voyeurism (IC 35-45-4-5(g)) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Indiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Base offense; escalates to Level 6 felony if prior unrelated voyeurism conviction, publication, or transmission |
| Remote aerial voyeurism with priors or distribution (IC 35-45-4-5(g)) | Level 6 Felony | Up to $10,000 | 6 months - 2.5 years | Indiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced penalty for repeat offenses or distribution of captured material |
| Unlawful surveillance/tracking (IC 35-46-8.5-1) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Indiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Applies to placement of surveillance equipment on private property without consent |
| Remote aerial harassment (IC 35-45-10-6) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Indiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Base offense; escalates to Level 6 felony on repeat conviction |
| Remote aerial harassment - repeat offense (IC 35-45-10-6) | Level 6 Felony | Up to $10,000 | 6 months - 2.5 years | Indiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced penalty for repeat offenses |
| Drone hunting / scouting (IC 14-22-6-16) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 180 days | Indiana DNR / Conservation Officers | License revocation possible; reported through 1-800-TIP-IDNR |
| Critical infrastructure trespass (IC 35-46-10-2) | Level 6 Felony | Up to $10,000 | 6 months - 2.5 years | Indiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Applicability to drone overflight contested; federal 18 U.S.C. § 795 overlays military installations |
| State park drone operation without exception (312 IAC 8-2-8(i)) | Civil Penalty / Administrative | Varies | N/A | Indiana DNR / Conservation Officers | Loss of DNR privileges possible; enforcement discretionary |
| Fort Wayne notification failure (§ 96.30) | Municipal Violation | Varies | N/A | Fort Wayne Police Department | Failure to notify city before flying in restricted zones |
| Sex offender drone offense (IC 35-42-4-12.5) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Indiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Escalates to Level 6 felony on repeat conviction |
| Public safety remote aerial interference (SB 299) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Indiana State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Escalates to Level 6 felony on repeat conviction |
| Federal stadium TFR violation | Federal Civil / Criminal | Up to $30,000 civil | N/A (civil); up to 1 year (criminal referral) | FAA / U.S. Attorney | Applies to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lucas Oil Stadium, Notre Dame Stadium TFRs |
| Indiana Dunes National Park violation | Class B Federal Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service / U.S. Attorney | Federal ban on all drone operations in National Parks per NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 |
Remote aerial voyeurism (IC 35-45-4-5(g))
Base offense; escalates to Level 6 felony if prior unrelated voyeurism conviction, publication, or transmission
Remote aerial voyeurism with priors or distribution (IC 35-45-4-5(g))
Enhanced penalty for repeat offenses or distribution of captured material
Unlawful surveillance/tracking (IC 35-46-8.5-1)
Applies to placement of surveillance equipment on private property without consent
Remote aerial harassment (IC 35-45-10-6)
Base offense; escalates to Level 6 felony on repeat conviction
Remote aerial harassment - repeat offense (IC 35-45-10-6)
Enhanced penalty for repeat offenses
Drone hunting / scouting (IC 14-22-6-16)
License revocation possible; reported through 1-800-TIP-IDNR
Critical infrastructure trespass (IC 35-46-10-2)
Applicability to drone overflight contested; federal 18 U.S.C. § 795 overlays military installations
State park drone operation without exception (312 IAC 8-2-8(i))
Loss of DNR privileges possible; enforcement discretionary
Fort Wayne notification failure (§ 96.30)
Failure to notify city before flying in restricted zones
Sex offender drone offense (IC 35-42-4-12.5)
Escalates to Level 6 felony on repeat conviction
Public safety remote aerial interference (SB 299)
Escalates to Level 6 felony on repeat conviction
Federal stadium TFR violation
Applies to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lucas Oil Stadium, Notre Dame Stadium TFRs
Indiana Dunes National Park violation
Federal ban on all drone operations in National Parks per NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Indiana does not require separate state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for all drones over 0.55 pounds ($5 for 3 years).
No statewide commercial drone permit required. Specific locations (DNR properties, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis parks) may require advance notification or permission. Part 107 certification required for commercial operations.
Not required by Indiana state law, but recommended for commercial operations and expected by most commercial clients
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID requirement effective March 16, 2024
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information or operate within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Indiana has a short list of FRIAs periodically updated. Mandatory for all commercial and most recreational flights.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial drone use
Commercial operators in Indiana must pass FAA knowledge test ($175) and maintain currency. Indiana has no separate state commercial drone license. Most drone work in Indiana industries (manufacturing, utilities, agriculture, real estate, insurance, public safety) requires Part 107.
Stadium TFR Compliance
14 CFR § 99.7 stadium TFRs apply to major venues
Applies to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis Colts), and Notre Dame Stadium. TFRs activate 1 hour before and continue 1 hour after events. 3-nautical-mile radius, surface to 3,000 feet. Violations prosecuted as federal civil penalties up to $30,000 or criminal under 49 U.S.C. § 46307.
National Park Drone Ban
NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05 blanket ban
Federal ban on drone launch, landing, and operation within any National Park unit, including Indiana Dunes National Park. Violations are Class B federal misdemeanor (up to $5,000 fine, 6 months imprisonment).
Military Installation Overflight
18 U.S.C. § 795 photography restrictions
Prohibits photography of vital military installations. Particularly relevant to Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (Martin County), the largest Department of Defense facility for electronic warfare. Civilian overflight treated as serious incursion.
National Airspace System Compliance
Standard FAA regulations apply as baseline
400 feet AGL altitude ceiling, Visual Line of Sight requirement, daylight/civil twilight operations, airspace authorization via LAANC. Indiana cannot permit what FAA prohibits; state rules add to federal baseline but cannot weaken it.
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 available at 726 airports nationwide including Indianapolis (IND), South Bend (SBN), Fort Wayne (FWA), and Evansville (EVV) Class C airspaces. Required for operations in Class B, C, D, and surface E airspace.
Major Airports
IND — Indianapolis International Airport (Class C)SBN — South Bend International Airport (Class C)FWA — Fort Wayne International Airport (Class C)EVV — Evansville Regional Airport (Class C)
TFR Notice
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Indy 500 and race events): 3-nautical-mile radius, surface to 3,000 feet AGL. Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts games): 3-nautical-mile radius, surface to 3,000 feet AGL, 1 hour before to 1 hour after. Notre Dame Stadium (home games): 3-nautical-mile radius during events. Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (Martin County): Civilian overflight restricted; authorized test flights only. Indiana Dunes National Park: Blanket ban (NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05). Indiana Dunes State Park: Blanket ban (312 IAC 8-2-8).
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Indiana's First Drone Hunting Conviction
enforcementRodney Pettit and Eric Pettit (cousins) near Madison, Indiana convicted under IC 14-22-6-16 for using drone to scout 17-point buck (nicknamed 'Nucor Monarch') during hunting season. Forensic analysis of geo-tagged flight logs from drone proved scouting. Pettit on probation, cousin in pretrial diversion. Case marks Indiana's first criminal prosecution under drone-hunting statute and signals Indiana DNR's active enforcement.
SB 182 Signed into Law
legislationGovernor signs SB 182 establishing regulations on drone use near state correctional facilities and criminalizing contraband delivery via drone.
HEA 1047 Signed - Remote Aerial Voyeurism Amendment
legislationGovernor Holcomb signs House Enrolled Act 1047 broadening IC 35-45-4-5(g) to include AI-generated intimate imagery and clarifying peeping definitions. Effective July 1, 2024.
Drone Hunting Statute Amendment Effective
regulatory changeAmendment to IC 14-22-6-16 clarifying narrow exception for post-harvest recovery flights becomes effective. Drones now explicitly permitted only for recovering already-harvested animals, with restrictions on active hunting during recovery operations.
FAA DETER Program Launch
regulatory changeFAA launches DETER (Drone Enforcement Training Escalation Response) program offering fast-track penalties for first-time drone offenders, increasing enforcement capability nationwide including Indiana.
Pending Legislation
HB 1064In Committee (Courts and Criminal Code)Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - Nuisance, Trespass, Insurance Requirements
Would classify repeated UAV operation over private real property as both a civil and criminal nuisance. Would make operating a UAV at low altitude (not more than 100 feet) above private property or landing on private property a civil trespass with enhanced penalties for agricultural property. Creates new crimes for operating UAV over certain places, people, or animals including livestock. Operating UAV to collect data/recordings of individuals or real property would be Class A misdemeanor (Level 6 felony if data involves critical infrastructure). Requires liability insurance for UAV operators of 55+ pounds and DHS verification program.
Last action: January 12, 2026
SB 0281In ProgressIncome Tax Credits and UAS Test Site Administration
Establishes that IEDC and an operating partner shall administer the federal Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site program in Indiana. Allocates funding for economic development including UAS testing and research initiatives.
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 obtain advance approval from the Office of Environmental, Health & Safety Management. Recreational drone use is not permitted on campus. Memorial Stadium and athletic facilities subject to federal stadium TFRs during games. Restrictions: EHS approval required for all UAS flights on campus. No recreational drone flying. Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. No flights over buildings or crowds without specific authorization. | Yes | Office of Environmental, Health & Safety Management — ehs@iu.edu |
| Purdue University | Purdue requires all drone flights on university property to receive approval through the Office of Environmental Health and Public Safety. University operates an active UAS research program through the School of Aviation. Ross-Ade Stadium subject to federal stadium TFR during athletic events. Restrictions: Approval required from EHPS for all campus flights. Ross-Ade Stadium TFR applies during Purdue football games (3nm radius, surface to 3,000 ft). University-authorized research program has separate protocols. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health and Public Safety |
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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