Kentucky Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Kentucky maintains a permissive regulatory environment for drone operations with minimal state-level restrictions. The primary state law (HB 540, 2017) addresses reckless UAS operation and airport facility maps, while commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements. Kentucky has no comprehensive state registration or permitting requirements beyond federal rules, and no explicit state preemption statute governing local ordinances has been identified.
State Drone Laws
KRS 183.191 / HB 540 (2017)Unmanned Aircraft Systems Facility Maps and Reckless Operation
Allows commercial airports to prepare UAS facility maps specifying areas where UAS operators cannot operate, take off, or land. Prohibits operation of UAS in a reckless manner, defined as creating a serious risk of physical injury or damage to property. Exempts commercial operators in compliance with FAA regulations from these state reckless operation provisions.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless operation of UAS under KRS 183.191 / HB 540 | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 12 months | Kentucky State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Applies to operations creating a serious risk of physical injury or property damage. FAA Part 107-compliant commercial operators are explicitly exempted. |
| Reckless operation of UAS causing aircraft disruption under KRS 183.191 / HB 540 | Class D Felony | Up to $10,000 (Class D Felony range in Kentucky) | 1 to 5 years | Kentucky State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Applies when reckless UAS operation causes a significant change of course or serious disruption to the safe travel of an aircraft. The prior entry listed 'Up to $1,000 / Up to 1 year' which is incorrect for a Class D Felony under Kentucky law (KRS 532.020, KRS 534.030). Flagged for human verification of exact statutory fine amount. |
Reckless operation of UAS under KRS 183.191 / HB 540
Applies to operations creating a serious risk of physical injury or property damage. FAA Part 107-compliant commercial operators are explicitly exempted.
Reckless operation of UAS causing aircraft disruption under KRS 183.191 / HB 540
Applies when reckless UAS operation causes a significant change of course or serious disruption to the safe travel of an aircraft. The prior entry listed 'Up to $1,000 / Up to 1 year' which is incorrect for a Class D Felony under Kentucky law (KRS 532.020, KRS 534.030). Flagged for human verification of exact statutory fine amount.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Kentucky does not impose state-level drone registration requirements. Operators must comply with FAA registration requirements for drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) at a cost of $5 per drone.
No state permit required. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required for commercial operations. Airport facility maps designated under KRS 183.191 may restrict operations in specified areas.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Licensing
All commercial drone operators in Kentucky must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements.
Commercial operators must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. KRS 183.191 (HB 540) explicitly exempts FAA Part 107-compliant commercial operators from the state reckless operation provisions, creating a direct and intentional alignment with federal regulatory primacy.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone operators must complete the FAA's TRUST certification before flying.
Hobbyist operators must take and pass the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Drones weighing over 0.55 lbs (250g) require FAA registration at a cost of $5 per drone.
Remote ID Compliance
FAA Remote ID requirements apply to all UAS operations in Kentucky as of September 16, 2023.
All drone operators must comply with FAA Remote ID rules requiring drones to broadcast identification and location information. Non-compliant drones may only operate at FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs). Non-compliance can result in federal civil penalties up to $27,500 and potential certificate suspension or revocation.
FAA Preemption of Airspace
Federal law generally preempts state and local regulation of navigable airspace.
Under 49 U.S.C. § 40103, the FAA has exclusive sovereignty over navigable airspace. Kentucky's HB 540 was drafted to complement, not conflict with, federal authority. However, Kentucky has not enacted an explicit state-level preemption statute preventing local governments from adopting drone ordinances in areas such as privacy, trespass, or land use.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at multiple Kentucky airports including Louisville Muhammad Ali International (SDF), Blue Grass Airport (LEX), and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG) for automated airspace authorizations.
Major Airports
SDF — Louisville Muhammad Ali International AirportLEX — Blue Grass Airport (Lexington)CVG — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International AirportOWB — Owensboro-Daviess County Regional AirportBPK — Bowman Field (Louisville)
TFR Notice
University athletic events generate temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) at UK Kroger Field and UofL L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium during games. Military installations (e.g., Fort Knox, Camp Breckinridge) and federal facilities may have permanent or recurring TFRs. Operators should check the FAA B4UFLY app and TFR listings before each flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
SR121Adopted by voice voteA RESOLUTION recognizing the tremendous bravery and skill of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)
Ceremonial resolution honoring the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) of the United States Army. Not drone-specific legislation and has no regulatory effect.
Last action: March 10, 2026
SR156Adopted by voice voteA RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and memory of Staff Sergeant Benjamin Pennington
Memorial resolution honoring a fallen soldier. Not drone-specific legislation and has no regulatory effect.
Last action: March 11, 2026
HB684In Committee — Judiciary (House)AN ACT relating to constables and declaring an emergency
Legislation establishing training and certification requirements for Kentucky constables and deputy constables. Not drone-specific legislation.
Last action: February 26, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | UK requires all UAS operations on or over campus property to be approved in advance by the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) office. Kroger Field carries a temporary flight restriction (TFR) during home football games. The medical center campus has additional no-fly restrictions. Restrictions: Prior EHS written approval required for all flights on or over campus. Stadium TFR during athletic events per FAA regulations. No flights over the UK HealthCare medical center complex. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) |
| University of Louisville | UofL requires drone operators to obtain prior written approval from the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) before flying on or over university property. L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium (formerly Cardinal Stadium) carries a TFR during home athletic events. Medical campus flights face additional restrictions. Restrictions: Prior DEHS written approval required. Stadium TFR during athletic events per FAA regulations. Additional restrictions near UofL Health medical facilities. | Yes | Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) |
| Western Kentucky University | WKU requires all drone operations on or over university property to comply with FAA regulations and to receive prior authorization from university administration or designated office. Operators must register with the university before flying. Restrictions: Prior authorization required. Must comply with all FAA rules including Part 107 for commercial operations. No flights over crowds or university events without special approval. | Yes | WKU Risk Management / Campus Safety |
| Eastern Kentucky University | EKU requires prior approval for any UAS operation on university property and aligns its policy with FAA regulations. Operators must submit a request to the appropriate university office before any flight. Restrictions: Prior written approval required. Must comply with FAA regulations. No unauthorized flights over campus facilities or events. | Yes | EKU Environmental Health & Safety |
| Northern Kentucky University | NKU requires all drone operations on campus to be pre-approved and conducted in accordance with FAA regulations. The university's proximity to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) creates significant airspace restrictions that operators must navigate via LAANC or FAA waiver. Restrictions: Prior approval required. Proximity to CVG airport creates Class B/C airspace restrictions requiring FAA LAANC authorization or waiver before any flight. Must comply with all applicable FAA rules. | Yes | NKU Environmental Health & Safety / University Police |
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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