Michigan Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Michigan maintains a permissive stance toward drone operations under federal FAA rules, with targeted state-level restrictions on privacy invasion, critical infrastructure interference, and hunting. The state aggressively preempts all local drone ordinances, creating a statewide regulatory baseline that varies by land management (DNR state parks, NPS units, private property). No state-level pilot licensing or registration is required beyond federal FAA requirements.
State Drone Laws
MCL § 259.305Preemption of Local Drone Regulation
Political subdivisions (cities, villages, townships, counties) are prohibited from enacting or enforcing ordinances that regulate UAS ownership or operation. Limited carve-outs allow local governments to regulate their own UAS fleet and local airports to retain existing authority.
MCL § 259.321Interference with Emergency Response Officials
Knowingly and intentionally operating a UAS in a manner that interferes with the official duties of police, fire, emergency medical services, or search-and-rescue personnel is prohibited.
MCL § 259.322Harassment, Stalking, Restraining Order Violations, and Sex Offender Restrictions
Prohibits knowingly and intentionally operating a UAS to subject another person to harassment, stalking, or violations of personal protection orders. Also prohibits sex offenders from using drones to follow, contact, or capture images of persons they are prohibited from contacting. Prohibits capturing photographs, video, or audio in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress.
MCL § 750.539jSurveillance of a Private Place
Makes it unlawful to surveil, photograph, film, or record an individual in a private place (any location where a person reasonably expects privacy) without consent. A drone operator hovering a camera over a fenced yard, bedroom window, or other area where privacy is expected can be prosecuted.
MCL § 750.539cNon-Consensual Audio Recording
Michigan is a two-party-consent state for recording oral communications. A drone carrying a microphone that records a private conversation without the consent of every party is unlawful.
MCL § 324.40111cUAS Use to Harass or Assist in Taking Wildlife
Prohibits using a UAS to locate, harass, molest, take, wound, or kill wildlife. Includes prohibition on using drones to scout game and relay positions to hunters. Narrow exception: drone recovery of a lawfully taken deer, elk, or bear is permitted only if no one in the recovery party is actively hunting at the time.
MCL § 750.45aInterference with Critical or Key Facilities
Makes it unlawful to fly a UAS over or trespass on a key facility or critical infrastructure facility (power plants, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, and similar vital infrastructure) with intent to interfere.
DNR Order 5.1 (State Parks and Recreation Areas)UAS Operations in State Parks and DNR-Managed Land
Prohibits UAS operation within 100 yards of cultural or historical sites/structures, over occupied beach areas, campgrounds, equestrian facilities, restrooms, and open-air changing courts. Commercial drone operations in state parks and recreation areas require written permission from the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. Operators must not interfere with department employees performing official duties or with search-and-rescue operations.
Mich. Admin. Code R. 318.146Unmanned Aircraft Operation at Mackinac Island State Park
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission regulations prohibit the use or operation of an unmanned aircraft without proper written permission from the park superintendent.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of West Bloomfield
townshipParks No-Fly Zone Ordinance
Establishes all town parks managed by the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission as no-fly zones for recreational and commercial drone operations.
Restrictions
Complete prohibition on drone launches, landings, and flights in West Bloomfield Parks.
University of Michigan
cityUniversity of Michigan UAS Policy (Board of Regents Ordinance Article XVI)
Prohibits unmanned aircraft systems from operating, taking off, or landing on or over any University of Michigan property without prior written authorization. Exceptions granted for law enforcement operations, indoor operations in designated spaces with established safety procedures, and outdoor locations specifically designated by the university with written waiver from the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Restrictions
No drone flights on U-M property without executive approval. Violations subject to civil infraction, misdemeanor, fine, and/or drone impoundment. Institutional Autonomous Systems Committee (IASC) reviews and approves applications.
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort (Vail Resorts Property)
cityVail Resorts Drone Policy
Mt. Brighton Ski Resort property policy prohibits recreational and commercial drone use by guests or members of the public on Vail Resorts-owned property except in limited circumstances with prior FAA exemption and written permission from the resort.
Restrictions
No drone flights on Vail Resorts property without written approval. Limited exceptions for approved operators with FAA exemptions and resort permission.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency responder interference (MCL § 259.321) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 90 days | Michigan State Police, local law enforcement, county prosecutors | Interfering with police, fire, EMS, or search-and-rescue operations |
| Harassment, stalking, or restraining order violation via UAS (MCL § 259.322) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 90 days | Michigan State Police, local law enforcement | Includes sex offender prohibition on UAS use against minors |
| Surveillance of a private place (MCL § 750.539j) | Misdemeanor (first offense); Felony (repeat) | Up to $2,000 (first); up to $5,000 (repeat) | Up to 2 years (first); up to 5 years (repeat) | Michigan State Police, local law enforcement | Photographing or filming a person in a location where privacy is reasonably expected; civil liability also possible |
| Non-consensual audio recording (MCL § 750.539c) | Felony | Up to $2,000 | Up to 2 years | Michigan State Police, local law enforcement | Two-party consent state; recording private conversations without all parties' consent |
| UAS wildlife interference or scouting (MCL § 324.40111c) | Misdemeanor (first offense); Misdemeanor/Felony (repeat) | $500-$1,000 (first); $1,000-$2,500 (repeat) | Up to 90 days (first); up to 1 year (repeat) | Michigan DNR conservation officers | Using drones to locate, harass, or assist in taking game. Report violations to 1-800-292-7800. License revocation possible on repeat offense |
| Interference with critical or key facility (MCL § 750.45a) | Felony | Up to $2,500 | Up to 4 years | Michigan State Police, local law enforcement, FBI | Flying over power plants, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, airports, or similar critical infrastructure |
| UAS operation in DNR state parks without permit | Civil violation | Civil penalty; variable | None | Michigan DNR rangers, park managers | Confiscation of aircraft possible. Commercial operations require DNR commercial-filming permit and proof of liability insurance |
| Federal: NPS no-fly zone violation (36 CFR § 1.5) | Federal petty offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service, Federal Magistrate Court | Applies to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, Isle Royale, Keweenaw National Historical Park |
| Stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7) | FAA civil penalty; possible federal criminal | Five-figure civil penalties typical; criminal prosecution possible | Up to 1 year (criminal) | FAA, U.S. Attorney's Office | Flying within 3 nautical miles of Michigan Stadium, Ford Field, Comerica Park, or Spartan Stadium during covered events. Michigan Stadium is an enforcement priority. |
Emergency responder interference (MCL § 259.321)
Interfering with police, fire, EMS, or search-and-rescue operations
Harassment, stalking, or restraining order violation via UAS (MCL § 259.322)
Includes sex offender prohibition on UAS use against minors
Surveillance of a private place (MCL § 750.539j)
Photographing or filming a person in a location where privacy is reasonably expected; civil liability also possible
Non-consensual audio recording (MCL § 750.539c)
Two-party consent state; recording private conversations without all parties' consent
UAS wildlife interference or scouting (MCL § 324.40111c)
Using drones to locate, harass, or assist in taking game. Report violations to 1-800-292-7800. License revocation possible on repeat offense
Interference with critical or key facility (MCL § 750.45a)
Flying over power plants, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, airports, or similar critical infrastructure
UAS operation in DNR state parks without permit
Confiscation of aircraft possible. Commercial operations require DNR commercial-filming permit and proof of liability insurance
Federal: NPS no-fly zone violation (36 CFR § 1.5)
Applies to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, Isle Royale, Keweenaw National Historical Park
Stadium TFR violation (14 CFR § 99.7)
Flying within 3 nautical miles of Michigan Stadium, Ford Field, Comerica Park, or Spartan Stadium during covered events. Michigan Stadium is an enforcement priority.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Michigan does not require separate state-level drone registration. FAA registration only ($5 for 3 years) is required for all drones over 250 grams (0.55 lbs). This is a federal requirement, not a state requirement.
Michigan has no state-level permit requirement for recreational or commercial drone operations beyond FAA registration and Part 107 certification for commercial work. However, commercial operations in DNR state parks require a written DNR commercial-filming permit and proof of liability insurance. Private property permission and local landowner consent required for takeoff and landing.
Michigan does not mandate drone insurance. However, commercial drone operators typically carry $1 million in general liability coverage as a business standard, and DNR commercial operations require proof of liability insurance.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone pilots in Michigan must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 test fee) for any work including real estate, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and film production.
Michigan does not layer additional state commercial licensing on top of FAA Part 107. Commercial drone use is widespread in Michigan, particularly in automotive plant inspection (Detroit area), agricultural imaging (fruit belt and Thumb region), real estate photography, bridge inspection (Michigan has 11,000+ bridges, many aging), and utility transmission work. Testing centers are available in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Traverse City, and Marquette.
Recreational TRUST Test
Recreational pilots must pass the free online TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test) before flying. Michigan does not require additional state recreational licensing.
All recreational drone pilots in Michigan must carry proof of TRUST passage. The test is free and can be retaken if the certificate is lost. Drones over 250 grams must be FAA-registered ($5 for 3 years).
Remote ID Compliance
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information (location, altitude, operator identity) since March 16, 2024, unless operating inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
Michigan has a published FRIA list on faa.gov. Remote ID is mandatory for outdoor flights and enforced by the FAA with civil penalties up to $27,500.
Altitude and VLOS Requirements
All flights must remain at or below 400 feet AGL and maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) unless operating with a visual observer or under a waiver.
Daylight or civil twilight operations are standard. Night flying is permitted with anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles. VLOS waivers and altitude waivers are available through the FAA on a case-by-case basis.
Controlled Airspace (LAANC)
Operations in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace require LAANC authorization from the FAA before flight. Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is a Class B facility covering large portions of southeast Michigan.
Detroit's core is inside DTW Class B airspace; LAANC is mandatory for any recreational or commercial flight in the area. Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Flint have Class C airspace. Traverse City and Kalamazoo have Class D. Upper Peninsula has less controlled airspace, making it more permissive for recreational flying. LAANC can be obtained through approved UAS Service Suppliers (Airspace Link, AutoPylot, Avision, UASidekick).
Great Lakes Operations
Flying over the Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie) is lawful airspace subject to FAA rules, with no Michigan-specific restrictions. However, practical constraints apply.
Pilots must stay well clear of shipping lanes, particularly the Soo Locks, Detroit River, St. Clair River, and St. Marys River corridors where freighter traffic is heavy. NPS boundaries at Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks extend over water. Piping plover (ESA-listed) nesting closures apply along Lake Michigan shorelines from late April through mid-August; disturbing nests is a federal 'take' violation. Border crossing into Canadian airspace is prohibited.
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 is available at 726 airports nationwide, including major Michigan airports. Required for operations in Class B (Detroit Metro — DTW), Class C (Grand Rapids — GRR, Lansing — LAN, Flint — FNT), and Class D airspace (Traverse City — TVC, Kalamazoo — AZO). Most of southeast Michigan falls under DTW Class B airspace; LAANC authorization is mandatory for recreational and commercial flights.
Major Airports
DTW — Detroit Metro 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 (Class D)MQT — Marquette Regional AirportESC — Escanaba Delta County AirportIMT — Ironwood-Gogebic County Airport
TFR Notice
Stadium TFRs (14 CFR § 99.7): 3-nautical-mile radius around Michigan Stadium, Ford Field, Comerica Park, and Spartan Stadium during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and major motorsport events. TFR active from 1 hour before to 1 hour after events. Michigan Stadium (107,601 seats) is the largest stadium in the US and an FAA enforcement priority. Little Caesars Arena is under 30,000 seats (no § 99.7 TFR) but sits in DTW Class B airspace (LAANC required). Active temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) apply for special events, military operations, and emergency response; check B4UFLY before every flight. Soo Locks and Great Lakes shipping lanes require altitude and VLOS awareness.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Oscoda Township Police Drone Shooting Incident
enforcementA 21-year-old man shot down a Michigan State Police DJI Air 3 drone with a shotgun during a standoff with law enforcement. He was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, malicious destruction of police property, and felony firearm possession. The case tests the boundaries of drone interference law and government drone use in law enforcement.
Long Lake Township v. Maxon — Michigan Supreme Court Drone Privacy Decision
legislationLandmark Michigan Supreme Court decision affirming that residents have a reasonable expectation of privacy against drone surveillance. The case involved warrantless drone surveillance used to document zoning violations. While the exclusionary rule does not apply in civil cases, the decision establishes that drone surveillance privacy is a serious legal question with national implications.
SHIELD Package of 15 Drone Bills Introduced in Michigan Legislature
legislationA comprehensive 10-bill drone regulation package (HB 5319-5332) was introduced in the Michigan House, proposing enhanced critical infrastructure protection, geofencing, police drone takedown authority, no-drone-zone signage, restrictions on DJI drones in state and law enforcement use, and cybersecurity requirements. As of June 2026, these bills remain in committee and have not been enacted.
Pending Legislation
HB 5319Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Critical Infrastructure Overflight Prohibition
Would amend MCL § 750.45a to expand and strengthen penalties for flying over or trespassing on key facilities and critical infrastructure with an unmanned aircraft or vehicle. Centerpiece of the SHIELD package.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5320Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Sentencing Guidelines for Critical Infrastructure Violations
Would establish sentencing guidelines for violations of HB 5319 (critical infrastructure overflight). Tied to HB 5319.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5321Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Database of Restricted Zones and Flight Paths
Would create a statewide database of restricted UAS zones and flight paths, with penalties for operating UAS in restricted zones. Tied to HB 5322.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5322Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Sentencing Guidelines for Restricted Zone Violations
Would establish sentencing guidelines for violations of HB 5321 (restricted zone operations). Tied to HB 5330.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5323Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Geofencing Around Critical Infrastructure
Would allow installation of geofencing technology around critical infrastructure and buildings to prevent UAS operation in designated areas.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5324Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Official No Drone Zone Signage
Would establish an official state no-drone-zone sign for uniform use across Michigan to mark restricted areas.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5325Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Destruction of Drones Violating Critical Infrastructure Rules
Would allow law enforcement to destroy or disable drones flying in violation of critical infrastructure guidelines, with liability protections.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5326Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Destruction of Drones Violating FAA Guidelines
Would allow law enforcement or property owners to destroy or disable drones flying in violation of FAA regulations, with liability protections.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5327Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Downing of Trespassing Drones
Would allow property owners to down or disable drones that are trespassing on their property, with liability protections for property owners acting in good faith.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5328Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)State Drones Follow Federal Restricted Drone List
Would require all drones used by state government to comply with the federal restricted drone list (e.g., restrictions on DJI drones).
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5329Passed House with Immediate Effect (2026-05-19), referred to Committee on AppropriationsProhibition on State Funds for Certain Drones
Would prohibit the use of state funds to purchase drones from companies on the federal restricted list. Tied to HB 5330.
Last action: May 19, 2026
HB 5330Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Cybersecurity and Data Protection Requirements for Drones
Would establish cybersecurity and data protection requirements for drones, particularly those handling sensitive government data.
Last action: May 12, 2026
HB 5331Passed House with Immediate Effect (2026-05-19), referred to Committee on AppropriationsProhibition on State Funds for Certain Drones (Alternative)
Alternative version of HB 5329 prohibiting state funds for certain drone purchases.
Last action: May 19, 2026
HB 5332Placed on Third Reading (2026-05-12)Law Enforcement Prohibition on Certain Drone Purchases
Would prohibit law enforcement agencies from purchasing or using drones from companies on the federal restricted list. Tied to HB 5330.
Last action: May 12, 2026
SB 210Referred to Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety (2025-04-16)Operating Near Critical Infrastructure Prohibition
Would amend MCL § 750.45a to prohibit operating a UAS near critical infrastructure.
Last action: April 16, 2025
SB 525Referred to Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (2026-03-11)Exceptions to Prohibited Use of UAS
Would expand exceptions to prohibited UAS use under MCL § 259.307, potentially broadening allowable operations for certain purposes.
Last action: March 11, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | U-M has a comprehensive UAS policy (Standard Practice Guide / Board of Regents Ordinance Article XVI) requiring all drone operations on university property to be approved by the Office of Campus Safety & Security and the Institutional Autonomous Systems Committee (IASC). Approval must be obtained in advance from the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Limited exceptions exist for law enforcement operations, indoor operations in designated spaces with established safety procedures, and outdoor locations specifically designated by the university. Restrictions: No flights without prior written approval. Michigan Stadium (largest stadium in the US, 107,601 seats) has strict TFR enforcement during Razorback football games. No flights over medical campus or university buildings. Stadium TFR applies from 1 hour before to 1 hour after all covered events. | Yes | Office of Campus Safety & Security; Institutional Autonomous Systems Committee (IASC) |
| Michigan State University | MSU requires all drone flights on campus and university property to be approved in advance by the Office of Regulatory Affairs and campus police. MSU follows FAA rules and MSU safety protocols. Restrictions: Comprehensive approval process required through Regulatory Affairs. Spartan Stadium TFR strictly enforced during athletic events. No flights over campus buildings or research facilities without specific approval. | 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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