Michigan Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Michigan maintains a mixed regulatory approach to drone operations. The state preempts local ordinances but enforces strong privacy, harassment, and critical infrastructure protections through state statute. Recreational flying is permitted under federal rules, but commercial operations and activities on state-managed land face additional state requirements.
State Drone Laws
MCL § 259.305Preemption of Local Drone Regulation
Political subdivisions (cities, villages, townships, counties) are prohibited from enacting ordinances or resolutions that regulate UAS ownership or operation, except for regulation of the municipality's own UAS fleet and locally owned airports.
MCL § 259.321Interference with Emergency Response Officials
Knowingly and intentionally operating a UAS that interferes with the official duties of police, fire, emergency medical services, search and rescue, or other emergency-response officials is prohibited.
MCL § 259.322(1)-(3)Harassment, Stalking, and Personal Protection Order Violations via UAS
It is unlawful to knowingly and intentionally operate a UAS in a manner that violates a personal protection order, subjects another person to harassment or stalking under MCL § 750.411h or § 750.411i, or captures photographs, video, or audio of another person in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress.
MCL § 259.322(4)Sex Offender Restriction on UAS Operation
A person required to register under the Sex Offenders Registration Act cannot knowingly operate a UAS to follow, contact, or capture images of a minor.
MCL § 750.539jSurveillance of a Private Place
A person is prohibited from surveilling, photographing, or filming an individual in a private place (where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy) without consent. Applies to drone surveillance at residences, fenced yards, or other private locations.
MCL § 750.539cTwo-Party Audio Consent for Recording
Michigan is a two-party-consent state. A drone operator carrying a microphone that records oral communications without the consent of all parties to the conversation is prohibited.
MCL § 750.45aInterference with Key Facilities and Correctional Facilities
Operating a UAS in a manner that interferes with, harms, or is intended to harm a key or critical facility (power plants, refineries, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, airports, bridges, railroads) is prohibited.
MCL § 324.40111cWildlife and Hunting Interference
Under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, using a UAS to assist in the taking of an animal, to harass an animal, or to locate game for hunting purposes is prohibited. A narrow exception allows drone use to recover a downed, lawfully taken deer, elk, or bear only if no one in the party is actively hunting.
DNR Order 5.1State Parks and Recreation Areas UAS Restrictions
Operating a UAS on state-managed property (parks, forests, game areas, recreation areas) requires written permission from the park unit manager. Specific restrictions prohibit flight within 100 yards of cultural or historical sites, over occupied beaches, campgrounds, equestrian facilities, restrooms, or open changing courts. Commercial operations require DNR commercial-filming permit and proof of liability insurance.
Mich. Admin. Code R. 318.146Mackinac Island State Park Commission — UAS Operation
Use or operation of an unmanned aircraft on Mackinac Island State Park Commission property without proper written permission from the park superintendent is prohibited. Applies to Mackinac Island State Park, Fort Mackinac, Colonial Michilimackinac, and Historic Mill Creek.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of West Bloomfield
townshipParks No-Fly Zone Ordinance
All parks managed by West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission are designated as no-fly zones for drone operations.
Restrictions
Complete prohibition on drone operations in all town parks
University of Michigan
cityUnmanned Aircraft Systems Policy
University of Michigan prohibits operation of UAVs on any university-owned or university-controlled property without prior written approval from the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (or designee) through the Institutional Autonomous Systems Committee (IASC).
Restrictions
Comprehensive approval required for outdoor UAS operations. No flights over medical campus. Michigan Stadium federal TFR strictly enforced during athletic events. Indoor use permitted in designated spaces with building manager approval.
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort
cityMt. Brighton Vail Resorts Drone Policy
Mt. Brighton (operated by Vail Resorts) prohibits the use of recreational and commercial drones by guests or members of the public on resort property.
Restrictions
Complete ban on recreational/commercial drone use except with FAA exemption and written resort permission. Includes special events, marketing, and film/photo applications.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harassment, stalking, or PPO violation via UAS (MCL § 259.322(1)-(3)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 90 days | Michigan State Police, County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | Enforcement action by county prosecutor following MSP or local investigation |
| Sex offender UAS operation against minor (MCL § 259.322(4)) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 90 days | Michigan State Police, County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | Applies only to registered sex offenders |
| Emergency responder interference (MCL § 259.321) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 90 days | Michigan State Police, County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement | Includes interference with police, fire, EMS, search and rescue |
| Surveillance of a private place (MCL § 750.539j) | Misdemeanor (first offense); Felony (repeat) | Up to $2,000 (first); Up to $5,000 (second+) | Up to 2 years (first); Up to 5 years (second+) | County Prosecutors, Local Law Enforcement, MSP | Applies to drone photography/surveillance of private residences, fenced yards, bedrooms, bathrooms |
| Non-consensual audio recording (MCL § 750.539c) | Felony | Up to $2,000 | Up to 2 years | County Prosecutors, MSP | Two-party consent state; applies to live microphone on drone recording private conversations |
| Wildlife interference, hunting/fishing scouting (MCL § 324.40111c) | Misdemeanor (first); Misdemeanor escalated (second+) | $500-$1,000 (first); $1,000-$2,500 (second+) | Up to 90 days (first); Up to 1 year (second+) | DNR Conservation Officers, County Prosecutors | Second+ offense includes possible hunting/fishing license revocation. Report violations to 1-800-292-7800 |
| Critical infrastructure interference (MCL § 750.45a) | Felony | Up to $2,500 | Up to 4 years | Federal Prosecutors (federal facility); State/County Prosecutors (state facility) | Includes power plants, refineries, water treatment, correctional facilities, airports, bridges, railroads |
| Unauthorized UAS operation on DNR state park land without permit | Administrative violation | Variable per DNR Land Use Order | None | DNR Rangers, Park Managers | Aircraft confiscation possible; permit available from park unit manager |
Harassment, stalking, or PPO violation via UAS (MCL § 259.322(1)-(3))
Enforcement action by county prosecutor following MSP or local investigation
Sex offender UAS operation against minor (MCL § 259.322(4))
Applies only to registered sex offenders
Emergency responder interference (MCL § 259.321)
Includes interference with police, fire, EMS, search and rescue
Surveillance of a private place (MCL § 750.539j)
Applies to drone photography/surveillance of private residences, fenced yards, bedrooms, bathrooms
Non-consensual audio recording (MCL § 750.539c)
Two-party consent state; applies to live microphone on drone recording private conversations
Wildlife interference, hunting/fishing scouting (MCL § 324.40111c)
Second+ offense includes possible hunting/fishing license revocation. Report violations to 1-800-292-7800
Critical infrastructure interference (MCL § 750.45a)
Includes power plants, refineries, water treatment, correctional facilities, airports, bridges, railroads
Unauthorized UAS operation on DNR state park land without permit
Aircraft confiscation possible; permit available from park unit manager
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Michigan 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
- DNR Commercial-Filming Permit — Variable (not specified in sources)Required for commercial photography, cinematography, or videography on state-managed land including state parks, state forests, game areas, and recreation areas. Proof of general liability insurance required.
Michigan does not require state-level drone registration beyond federal FAA registration. All drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). Michigan does not issue separate state pilot licenses for recreational or commercial operation.
DNR commercial-filming permit required only for commercial photography/cinematography on state-managed land. Recreational flights do not require state permits but require written permission from park manager.
No state-mandated liability insurance requirement. DNR commercial-filming operations require proof of general liability insurance.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID
Mandatory since March 16, 2024 for all outdoor drone flights
Every drone flown outdoors in Michigan must broadcast Remote ID (identification number, location, altitude) unless operating inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Michigan's FRIA list is updated at faa.gov. Commercial and recreational operators both subject to requirement.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations
Michigan does not layer additional state licensing on top of Part 107. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 rules including airspace restrictions, VLOS, altitude limits, and LAANC requirements in controlled airspace.
TRUST for Recreational Flyers
Free online safety test required before recreational flight
The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is mandatory for all recreational flyers in Michigan. Certificate must be carried and presented to law enforcement or FAA personnel on request.
NPS Drone Prohibition
Drone operations banned on all National Park Service lands in Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Isle Royale National Park, and Keweenaw National Historical Park all prohibit drone launch, landing, and operation under 36 CFR § 1.5 and NPS Policy Memorandum 14-05. Violations are federal petty offenses punishable up to 6 months and $5,000.
Great Lakes Operations
Drone operations over the Great Lakes subject to federal airspace and shipping considerations
No Michigan-specific restrictions on flights over the Great Lakes. However, operators must maintain visual line of sight, avoid shipping lanes and freighter traffic (particularly Soo Locks and Detroit/St. Clair channels), stay clear of NPS water boundaries, and comply with Endangered Species Act restrictions (piping plover nesting closures late April through mid-August on Lake Michigan shorelines).
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Mich. Comp. Laws § 259.322 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act) — Operation of UAS — interference with key facility, correctional facility, or law enforcement facility prohibited
Penalty: Misdemeanor (penalty under § 259.323); § 259.320 also criminalizes any drone-assisted commission of an underlying crime
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
The 'key facility' list is incorporated by cross-reference to MCL 750.552c rather than enumerated in the UAS Act itself; check both sections when assessing coverage.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC authorization required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace. Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) is Class B with significant coverage area. Grand Rapids (GRR), Lansing (LAN), and Flint (FNT) are Class C. LAANC available at 726 airports nationally through providers including Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, and UASidekick.
Major Airports
DTW — Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Class B)GRR — Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Class C)LAN — Capital Region International Airport (Class C)FNT — Bishop International Airport (Class C)TVC — Cherry Capital Airport (Class D)AZO — Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport
TFR Notice
Stadium TFRs apply during sporting events under 14 CFR § 99.7. Drone operation prohibited within 3 nautical miles of stadiums seating 30,000+ (Michigan Stadium 107,601; Ford Field 65,000+; Comerica Park 40,000+; Spartan Stadium 75,000+) one hour before through one hour after events. Little Caesars Arena (19,000) does not trigger TFR but sits in DTW Class B requiring LAANC. Active TFRs checked via B4UFLY app.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB 5319Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026Critical Infrastructure Trespass with UAS
Would amend MCL § 750.45a to expand criminal penalties and definitions for flying over or trespassing on key facilities or critical infrastructure with an unmanned aircraft or vehicle. Part of the SHIELD package.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5320Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026Sentencing Guidelines for Critical Infrastructure Trespass
Would establish sentencing guidelines for violations of critical infrastructure drone restrictions under HB 5319.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5321Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026Database of Restricted Zones and Flight Paths
Would create a statewide database of drone-restricted zones and flight paths, with penalties for operating UAS in designated restricted zones.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5322Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026Sentencing Guidelines for Restricted Zone Violations
Would establish sentencing guidelines for using UAS in a restricted zone or flight path per HB 5321.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5323Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026Geofencing Installation Around Critical Infrastructure
Would allow installation of geofencing technology around critical infrastructure or buildings to restrict drone access and prevent unauthorized UAS operations.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5324Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026Official No Drone Zone Signage
Would establish a standard no-drone-zone sign for use throughout Michigan to clearly designate areas where UAS operations are prohibited.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5325Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026Destruction of Drones Violating Critical Infrastructure Guidelines
Would allow law enforcement and authorized personnel to destroy or disable drones that are operating in violation of critical infrastructure protection guidelines.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5326Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026Destruction of Drones Violating FAA Guidelines
Would allow law enforcement to destroy or disable drones that are operating in violation of Federal Aviation Administration guidelines or restrictions.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5327Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026Downing of Trespassing Drones
Would allow property owners and authorized personnel to down or disable drones that are trespassing on their property or in violation of property boundaries.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5328Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026State Government Drones — Federal Restricted List Compliance
Would require all drones used by state government agencies to comply with the federal restricted drone list and not utilize drones from restricted manufacturers (e.g., DJI).
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5329Passed House with Immediate Effect - 05/13/2026 (Roll Call #144: Yeas 57, Nays 49)Prohibition on State Funds for Restricted Drones
Would prohibit the use of state funds for the purchase of drones from restricted manufacturers or companies of concern (including DJI).
Last action: May 19, 2026
HB 5330Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026UAS Cybersecurity and Data Protection Requirements
Would establish cybersecurity and data protection requirements for drones operating in Michigan, including encryption, data residency, and anti-surveillance standards.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5331Passed House with Immediate Effect - 05/13/2026 (Roll Call #143: Yeas 57, Nays 45)Prohibition on State Funds for Restricted Drones (Duplicate)
Similar to HB 5329; would prevent state funds from being used to purchase drones from restricted companies of concern.
Last action: May 19, 2026
HB 5332Placed on Third Reading (House) - 05/12/2026Law Enforcement Prohibition on Restricted Drones
Would prohibit public agencies (law enforcement, fire, etc.) from purchasing or using drones from restricted manufacturers.
Last action: May 12, 2026
SB 0210Referred to Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety - 04/16/2025Operating UAS Near Critical Infrastructure
Would amend MCL § 750.45a to prohibit operating a UAS near critical infrastructure facilities.
Last action: April 16, 2025
SB 0525Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (House) - 03/11/2026Exceptions to Prohibited UAS Use
Would expand exceptions to MCL § 259.307 prohibitions on UAS operations, potentially allowing additional uses for certain purposes.
Last action: March 11, 2026
HB 4119Referred to Committee on Rules - 06/18/2026Sales Tax Exemption for Aircraft and Aviation Equipment
Would amend MCL § 205.54x to exempt purchase of certain aircraft and aviation equipment from Michigan sales tax.
Last action: June 18, 2026
HB 4120Referred to Committee on Rules - 06/18/2026Use Tax Exemption for Aircraft and Aviation Equipment
Would amend MCL § 205.94k to exempt purchase of certain aircraft and aviation equipment from Michigan use tax.
Last action: June 18, 2026
SB 0152Referred to Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection - 03/13/2025Sales Tax Exemption for Aircraft and Aviation Equipment
Would amend MCL § 205.54x to exempt purchase of certain aircraft and aviation equipment from Michigan sales tax.
Last action: March 13, 2025
SB 0153Referred to Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection - 03/13/2025Use Tax Exemption for Aircraft and Aviation Equipment
Would amend MCL § 205.94k to exempt purchase of certain aircraft and aviation equipment from Michigan use tax.
Last action: March 13, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | UAS operations on University of Michigan property require prior written approval from the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (or designee) through the Institutional Autonomous Systems Committee (IASC). Michigan Stadium (107,601 capacity, largest in the US) has strict federal TFR enforcement during athletic events. Indoor UAS use is permitted in approved spaces with established safety procedures and building manager permission. Restrictions: Comprehensive approval required for all outdoor campus flights. No flights over medical campus. Michigan Stadium federal TFR strictly enforced during all athletic events (1 hour before through 1 hour after). No flights over academic buildings or student housing without specific waiver. | Yes | Office of Campus Safety & Security; IASC review process through research administration |
| Michigan State University | All drone operations on MSU campus require approval from the Office of Regulatory Affairs and coordination with campus police. Spartan Stadium (capacity 75,000) is subject to federal TFR during athletic events. Restrictions: Regulatory Affairs approval mandatory. Campus police notification required. Spartan Stadium federal TFR applies during events (1 hour before through 1 hour after). No flights over campus buildings or occupied areas. | Yes | Office of Regulatory Affairs; MSU Department of Police 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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