Montana Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Montana has transitioned from a permissive to a moderate regulatory posture following the 2025 legislative session, which produced significant new drone legislation. The state now has laws addressing wildfire suppression interference, evidence admissibility, UAS trespass as a criminal offense, and revisions to aircraft use in hunting contexts. Federal FAA requirements remain the primary framework for airspace operations, but Montana's expanding state-level statutes add targeted restrictions in privacy, trespass, and hunting domains.
State Drone Laws
HB 644Prohibition on UAS Interference with Wildfire Suppression
Prohibits using unmanned aircraft systems to interfere with wildfire suppression efforts. Violators are liable for costs equivalent to the amount of interference caused. Law also prohibits local governments from enacting ordinances addressing UAS use in relation to wildfires.
SB 196Limitation on UAS Evidence Admissibility
Limits when information obtained from unmanned aircraft systems may be admitted as evidence in any prosecution or proceeding within the state. Information is admissible only if obtained with a search warrant or through a judicially recognized exception to search warrant requirements.
SB 493 (2025)Trespass by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Establishes trespass by unmanned aerial vehicle as a criminal offense in Montana. Prohibits operating a UAS over private property without consent of the property owner under circumstances constituting trespass. Signed by the Governor on or around May 5, 2025.
SB 106 (2025)Revising Laws Related to Use of Manned and Unmanned Aircraft While Hunting
Revises existing Montana laws regarding the use of both manned and unmanned aircraft in hunting contexts. Addresses unlawful assistance of hunters using aerial vehicles and updates definitions and prohibitions to explicitly include unmanned aircraft systems. Signed by the Governor on or around May 8, 2025.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interference with wildfire suppression using UAS (HB 644) | Civil Liability | Costs of interference caused | None | State and Local Law Enforcement | Violators are liable for all costs incurred due to their interference with wildfire suppression operations |
| Use of UAS evidence without search warrant or judicial exception (SB 196) | Evidentiary Sanction | None specified | None | Judicial System | Evidence obtained without proper authorization is inadmissible in legal proceedings |
| Trespass by unmanned aerial vehicle (SB 493 - 2025) | Criminal Offense | To be confirmed upon codification | To be confirmed upon codification | State and Local Law Enforcement | Newly enacted in 2025; exact penalty tiers should be verified against enrolled bill text and codified Montana Code Annotated sections |
| Unlawful use of unmanned aircraft while hunting (SB 106 - 2025) | Criminal/Regulatory Offense | Consistent with existing hunting violation statutes; to be confirmed | Consistent with existing hunting violation statutes; to be confirmed | Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; State and Local Law Enforcement | Newly enacted in 2025; specific penalties subject to final codification and verification |
Interference with wildfire suppression using UAS (HB 644)
Violators are liable for all costs incurred due to their interference with wildfire suppression operations
Use of UAS evidence without search warrant or judicial exception (SB 196)
Evidence obtained without proper authorization is inadmissible in legal proceedings
Trespass by unmanned aerial vehicle (SB 493 - 2025)
Newly enacted in 2025; exact penalty tiers should be verified against enrolled bill text and codified Montana Code Annotated sections
Unlawful use of unmanned aircraft while hunting (SB 106 - 2025)
Newly enacted in 2025; specific penalties subject to final codification and verification
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Montana does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration applies: drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA.
No state permit required. Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements. UAS trespass law (SB 493) may require operator to obtain property owner consent before flying over private land.
No state insurance requirement specified.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Operations
Montana drone pilots operating commercially must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule requirements.
Commercial operators in Montana must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with all Part 107 operational restrictions including altitude limits (400 feet AGL), line-of-sight requirements, and airspace authorization procedures.
Recreational Drone Registration and TRUST
Recreational drone pilots in Montana must register their aircraft with the FAA and complete TRUST training.
All recreational operators must take the FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) require $5 FAA registration. Operators must follow recreational model aircraft rules including altitude, distance, and airspace restrictions.
Remote ID Compliance
All unmanned aircraft operating in U.S. airspace must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements.
Drone operators in Montana must ensure their aircraft are capable of transmitting Remote ID information as required by FAA regulations. Non-compliance may result in civil penalties and certificate suspension.
State Trespass Law vs. FAA Airspace Authority
Montana's new UAS trespass law (SB 493, 2025) may interact with the FAA's exclusive authority over navigable airspace.
The FAA holds exclusive jurisdiction over navigable airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 40103. Montana's SB 493 trespass law, to the extent it restricts operations in low-altitude airspace above private property, may be subject to federal preemption challenges. The boundary between state property rights near the surface and FAA-regulated navigable airspace remains unsettled nationally. Operators and legal practitioners should monitor any litigation or FAA guidance addressing this tension.
Hunting and Wildlife Laws Intersecting with FAA Rules
Montana's SB 106 (2025) prohibitions on UAS use while hunting supplement federal airspace rules with state-level wildlife protection restrictions.
While the FAA governs the operational aspects of drone flight, Montana's revised hunting statute adds independent state criminal liability for using UAS to assist in hunting activities, regardless of FAA compliance. Operators must satisfy both regulatory regimes.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available in Montana near major airports and controlled airspace.
Major Airports
BZN — Bozeman Yellowstone International AirportMSO — Missoula International AirportGPI — Glacier Park International AirportBIL — Billings Logan International AirportHLN — Helena Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Standard TFRs apply around airports, military installations, and federal facilities. Temporary restrictions may be issued for special events and emergency operations. Wildfire TFRs are common in Montana during fire season.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB 202Failed — Veto Override FailedGenerally revise laws related to the unlawful use of aircraft for hunting
Would have revised laws related to unlawful aircraft use for hunting. Vetoed by Governor; veto override failed in the legislature. No further action expected this session.
Last action: June 16, 2025
LC 2704Proposed — Legislative Council DraftGenerally revise drone laws
Proposed legislation to generally revise drone laws in Montana. Status as of late March 2026 is proposed/draft; requires verification whether it advanced to a bill number.
Last action: March 18, 2026
LC 338Proposed — Legislative Council DraftGenerally revise drone pilot laws and penalties
Proposed legislation to revise drone pilot laws and associated penalties in Montana. Requires verification of current advancement status.
Last action: March 18, 2026
LC 1306Proposed — Legislative Council DraftRevise laws related to the use of aerial drones
Proposed legislation to revise laws related to aerial drone use. Requires verification of current advancement status.
Last action: March 18, 2026
LC 4152Proposed — Legislative Council DraftProvide for the right to eliminate drones above private land
Proposed legislation that would provide property owners with the right to eliminate (destroy or disable) drones flying over their private land. If enacted, would likely face significant federal preemption challenges given FAA authority over navigable airspace and potential interference with federally registered aircraft.
Last action: March 15, 2026
LC 2703Proposed — Legislative Council DraftGenerally revise drone laws
Proposed legislation to generally revise drone laws in Montana. Appears closely related to LC 2704; may be an alternate or companion draft. Requires verification.
Last action: March 18, 2026
LC 1630Proposed — Legislative Council DraftProhibit the purchase of small unmanned aircraft manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity
Proposed legislation to prohibit state or local government purchase of drones manufactured or assembled by covered foreign entities (e.g., Chinese-owned companies such as DJI). Aligns with similar federal-level restrictions under the National Defense Authorization Act.
Last action: March 18, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Montana | UM requires drone operators to coordinate with campus police and the Office of Risk Management before flying on university property. Operations must comply with FAA regulations and university safety requirements. Restrictions: Coordination with campus police and Office of Risk Management required prior to flight; presumed restrictions on flights over buildings, crowds, events, and during athletic competitions. SB 493 trespass provisions may apply to unauthorized UAS operations over UM property. | Yes | Office of Risk Management / Campus Police |
| Montana State University | MSU has an unmanned aircraft systems policy governing drone operations on all university campuses and properties. Operators must receive prior approval and comply with FAA regulations. MSU also operates an active UAS research program. Restrictions: Prior approval required for all UAS operations on campus property; restrictions on flights over people, buildings, and events; must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. | Yes | MSU Environmental Health and Safety / Risk Management |
| Montana Tech of the University of Montana | Montana Tech follows state and federal UAS regulations. Operators wishing to fly on campus are expected to coordinate with campus administration and comply with applicable FAA rules. Restrictions: Coordination with administration required; compliance with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules; restrictions on flights near buildings and populated areas. | Yes | Campus Administration / Safety Office |
| University of Montana Western | UM Western operators are expected to comply with all applicable federal FAA regulations and coordinate with campus administration before conducting UAS operations on university property. Restrictions: Coordination with campus administration required; compliance with FAA regulations. | Yes | Campus Administration |
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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