New York Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
New York lacks an omnibus state drone statute but enforces drone restrictions through existing criminal statutes, state agency policies, and municipal ordinances. NYC has the most restrictive urban drone regime in the United States, effectively banning civilian operations without an NYPD permit ($150, 30-day lead time). Over one million acres of state park and DEC wilderness areas prohibit drone flight. Outside these zones, federal FAA rules govern, though general criminal statutes apply statewide.
State Drone Laws
NY Penal Law § 250.45Unlawful Surveillance
Prohibits using an imaging device, including drones, to record a person in a state of undress or engaged in intimate conduct in a place where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without consent.
NY Penal Law § 240.20Disorderly Conduct
Prohibits causing public alarm, inconvenience, or annoyance by creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition by an act that serves no legitimate purpose. Drone operations creating hazard, alarm, or public disturbance fall under this statute.
NY Penal Law § 240.26Harassment in the Second Degree
Prohibits following or engaging in a course of conduct that alarms or annoys another person with no legitimate purpose. Drone-based harassment of neighbors or public figures has been charged under this statute.
NY Penal Law § 120.20Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree
Prohibits conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person. Drone crashes, drone-into-building incidents, and low flights over crowds have been prosecuted under this statute.
NY Penal Law § 120.25Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree
Prohibits conduct that creates a grave risk of death and is engaged in with depraved indifference to human life. Applies to drone operations posing extreme danger.
NY Penal Law § 240.30Aggravated Harassment
Prohibits communicating in a manner likely to cause alarm or annoyance. Has been charged in drone-surveillance cases.
OPRHP Policy OPR-PCD-018Unmanned Aircraft Systems in State Parks and Historic Sites
Prohibits launch, landing, or operation of unmanned aircraft in New York state parks and historic sites without prior written permission from the regional director. Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation retains sole discretion to approve or deny requests.
6 NYCRR Part 190 § 190.8DEC Wilderness and Primitive Area Drone Ban
Bans launch, landing, and operation of unmanned aircraft on lands classified as Wilderness, Primitive, or Canoe areas within the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. Affects over 1 million acres of state land with the most scenic terrain in New York.
6 NYCRR § 180.3 and ECL § 11-0923Prohibition on Using Aircraft to Hunt or Locate Wildlife
Prohibits using aircraft, including drones, to hunt, locate, drive, or take wildlife to which the hunting season applies. Narrow carve-out for recovery of already-harvested game.
Chapter 55 of 2026 (S09005 / A10005) — Part DCrimes of Unlawful Use of Drone; New York State Blue List
Establishes crimes related to unlawful use of drones. Creates the 'New York State Blue List' requiring the state, its agencies, and political subdivisions to only purchase drones and drone mitigation technology from vendors on the approved registry.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
New York City
cityNYC Administrative Code § 10-126(b) — Aircraft Takeoff and Landing Prohibition
Makes it unlawful for any person to take off or land an aircraft (including drones) within the five boroughs except at airports or locations designated by the Department of Transportation or Port Authority. Effectively prohibits civilian drone operations throughout NYC without an NYPD permit.
Restrictions
Prohibits takeoff and landing citywide except at three designated model aircraft fields (Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Calvert Vaux Park, LaTourette Park) or with NYPD permit ($150, 30 days advance notice required).
New York City
city1 RCNY § 1-05(g) — NYC Parks Model Aircraft Prohibition
Prohibits use of model aircraft and similar apparatus in NYC parks except in areas designated for that purpose.
Restrictions
Drone operations prohibited in all NYC parks except three designated sites: Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens), Calvert Vaux Park (Brooklyn), and LaTourette Park (Staten Island).
City of Syracuse
citySyracuse Municipal Ordinance — Government Drone Use Restriction
Prohibits use of drones by city government and agencies until adequate federal and state laws are enacted to regulate government drone use in a manner protecting First and Fourth Amendment rights.
Restrictions
Applies to city government drone operations only; does not restrict civilian drone use. Intended to restrict police and municipal agency operations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful surveillance via drone (NY PL § 250.45) | Class E Felony | Up to $5,000 | Up to 4 years | NY State Police, Local Law Enforcement, District Attorney | Also exposes operator to civil liability for damages |
| Reckless endangerment, 2nd degree via drone (NY PL § 120.20) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | Local Law Enforcement | For drone crashes, flights over crowds, or operations creating substantial risk |
| Reckless endangerment, 1st degree via drone (NY PL § 120.25) | Class D Felony | Varies | Up to 7 years | Local Law Enforcement, District Attorney | For conduct creating grave risk of death with depraved indifference |
| Harassment, 2nd degree via drone (NY PL § 240.26) | Violation | Up to $250 | Up to 15 days | Local Police | For drone-based harassment of neighbors or public figures |
| Disorderly conduct via drone (NY PL § 240.20) | Violation | Up to $250 | Up to 15 days | Local Police | For drone operations creating public alarm or hazardous condition |
| Aggravated harassment via drone (NY PL § 240.30) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 3 months | Local Police | For communication likely to cause alarm or annoyance |
| NYC Admin Code § 10-126(b) — Unauthorized takeoff/landing | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | NYPD | Drone subject to confiscation; NYPD can seize aircraft at scene |
| NYC Parks Rule 1-05(g) — Unauthorized park operation | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 90 days | NYC Parks Enforcement, NYPD | Applies to all NYC parks except three designated model aircraft fields |
| State parks operation without permit (OPRHP OPR-PCD-018) | Administrative citation | Varies | None (administrative) | OPRHP Park Police, Park Managers | Permit denial; park trespass charges possible under related statutes |
| DEC Wilderness/Primitive area operation (6 NYCRR § 190.8) | ECL Violation | Up to $250 per violation | Up to 15 days | DEC Environmental Conservation Officers | Applies to Adirondack and Catskill wilderness areas |
| Hunting with drone aid (6 NYCRR § 180.3 / ECL § 11-0923) | ECL Violation | Varies | Varies | DEC Officers, Local Police | Applies to scouting, locating, or taking game with drone assistance |
Unlawful surveillance via drone (NY PL § 250.45)
Also exposes operator to civil liability for damages
Reckless endangerment, 2nd degree via drone (NY PL § 120.20)
For drone crashes, flights over crowds, or operations creating substantial risk
Reckless endangerment, 1st degree via drone (NY PL § 120.25)
For conduct creating grave risk of death with depraved indifference
Harassment, 2nd degree via drone (NY PL § 240.26)
For drone-based harassment of neighbors or public figures
Disorderly conduct via drone (NY PL § 240.20)
For drone operations creating public alarm or hazardous condition
Aggravated harassment via drone (NY PL § 240.30)
For communication likely to cause alarm or annoyance
NYC Admin Code § 10-126(b) — Unauthorized takeoff/landing
Drone subject to confiscation; NYPD can seize aircraft at scene
NYC Parks Rule 1-05(g) — Unauthorized park operation
Applies to all NYC parks except three designated model aircraft fields
State parks operation without permit (OPRHP OPR-PCD-018)
Permit denial; park trespass charges possible under related statutes
DEC Wilderness/Primitive area operation (6 NYCRR § 190.8)
Applies to Adirondack and Catskill wilderness areas
Hunting with drone aid (6 NYCRR § 180.3 / ECL § 11-0923)
Applies to scouting, locating, or taking game with drone assistance
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Required
State Insurance
Required
New York does not require state-level drone registration. All drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years, renewable). NYC requires additional NYPD drone permit ($150, non-refundable) for civilian takeoff and landing within the five boroughs.
NYC: NYPD drone permit required ($150 non-refundable fee, 30 days advance notice, commercial general liability insurance with UAS coverage naming City as additional insured, government-issued photo ID, Part 107 certificate or TRUST completion proof). Apply at dronepermits.nypdonline.org. State Parks: Written permit required from OPRHP regional director. DEC Wilderness: No permits issued; operations prohibited.
NYC mandates commercial general liability insurance with UAS coverage naming the City of New York as additional insured for permit approval. Standard commercial drone work throughout the state typically requires $1-2 million in coverage. Insurance is non-negotiable for NYPD permit.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID mandatory since March 16, 2024
All drones flown outdoors must broadcast Remote ID, location, and altitude in real-time unless operating inside an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). New York has limited FRIAs. FAA enforces with civil penalties up to $27,500.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial work
All commercial drone operations require Part 107 certification. Pilots must pass Aeronautical Knowledge Test ($175), renew every 24 months. NYC adds NYPD permit requirement on top of Part 107.
TRUST for Recreational Flight
Free FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test required
All recreational drone operators must pass TRUST test online and carry certificate. No New York exemption.
Stadium TFRs (14 CFR § 99.7)
Temporary Flight Restrictions over sports venues
30,000-seat-plus stadiums have automatic TFRs three nautical miles out, one hour before to one hour after events. Applies to MLB (Yankee Stadium, Citi Field), NFL (MetLife Stadium), NCAA Division I, US Open, and special events. 2026 FIFA World Cup will have expanded TFRs.
Class B Airspace
NYC and surrounding areas predominantly Class B
JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark create overlapping Class B airspace covering NYC and Long Island. LAANC required; most Manhattan grid squares show zero-foot authorization, requiring waiver applications.
National Park Service Prohibition
NPS bans drone launch and landing at federal sites
Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Fire Island National Seashore prohibit civilian drone operations under 36 CFR § 1.5.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
New York 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 around major NY airports but authorization altitudes near Manhattan extremely limited, often zero feet, requiring DroneZone waiver applications. Outside NYC metro area, LAANC works normally around Buffalo (BUF), Syracuse (SYR), and Albany (ALB).
Major Airports
JFK — New York (Class B)LGA — New York (Class B)EWR — Newark, NJ (Class B extends into NY)TEB — Teterboro, NJ (Class D)ISP — Long Island MacArthur (Class D)BUF — Buffalo Niagara (Class C)SYR — Syracuse Hancock (Class D)ALB — Albany (Class D)
TFR Notice
UN General Assembly (September, 30-mile radius over Manhattan); MLB stadiums (Yankees Stadium, Citi Field); NFL stadiums (MetLife Stadium for Giants/Jets); NCAA Division I events; US Open (Arthur Ashe Stadium); 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium and surrounding areas; presidential visits and special events trigger temporary TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
US Open Drone Incident — Daniel Verley
enforcement26-year-old NYC science teacher crashed DJI Phantom into stands at US Open tennis tournament at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens. Charged with reckless endangerment and unauthorized operation in city park. Case resulted in 5 days community service with charges dismissed after 6 months law-abiding conduct.
NJ/NY Mysterious Drone Sightings
enforcementNovember-December 2024: Thousands of reports of unexplained drones over New Jersey and New York. FAA, FBI, and Homeland Security investigated 5,000+ reports. Most turned out to be legitimate commercial/hobbyist operations or misidentifications. FAA imposed temporary flight restrictions over ~30 communities. Heightened public awareness and enforcement pressure.
Hearst Tower Drone Strike — Columbus Circle
enforcementMan flying quadcopter near 57th Street and Eighth Avenue had drone clip Hearst Tower at Columbus Circle and fall to sidewalk. Arrested and charged under NYC Admin Code § 10-126 and disorderly conduct. Early precedent for NYC drone incident prosecution.
Pending Legislation
A00972 / S01096In CommitteeProtect Our Privacy (POP) Act
Would establish limitations on law enforcement drone use and prohibit police drone operations at concerts, protests, demonstrations, and other First Amendment-protected activities.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S00694 / A00615In CommitteeCritical Infrastructure Protection — Correctional Facilities
Would prohibit civilian drone use within 500 feet of any correctional facility except when authorized under FAA rules.
Last action: January 7, 2026
A07208In CommitteeLimitations on Drone Use Within the State
Would impose limitations on drone operations within New York State.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S06340In CommitteeUnlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree
Would establish 'unlawful surveillance in the second degree' as specific crime for drone-based surveillance.
Last action: January 7, 2026
A02065In CommitteeCritical Infrastructure — Class E Felony
Would make it Class E felony to operate unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure including power plants, refineries, or pipelines.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S03273 / A00260In CommitteeComprehensive Unmanned Aircraft Regulation
Would establish comprehensive regulation of unmanned aircraft use within New York State, defining terms, authorizing permitted uses, and restricting prohibited uses.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S03542 / A01109In CommitteeHunting with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Prohibition
Would explicitly prohibit use of unmanned aerial vehicles to search, scout, locate, or aid in hunting of wild animals subject to hunting seasons.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S06305In CommitteeUnlawful Use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Would establish criminal penalties for unlawful use of remotely piloted aircraft, defining such aircraft as devices operated remotely without direct human intervention.
Last action: January 7, 2026
S04839 / A04944In CommitteeSchool Grounds and Critical Infrastructure Protection
Would prohibit operation of uncrewed aircraft over school grounds or critical infrastructure facilities, with specific penalties.
Last action: February 9, 2026
S09156 / A11069In CommitteeAerial Insurance Inspections — Homeowners Insurance
Would impose requirements for use of aerial images in homeowners insurance assessment, including notice to policyholders and appeal processes.
Last action: April 24, 2026
S02300 / A00558In CommitteeGeneral Aviation Aircraft Registration
Would require registration of general aviation aircraft used for civil aviation, with issuance of registration certificates and proof of insurance.
Last action: January 7, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York University | NYU prohibits all unauthorized drone operations on university property across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Abu Dhabi campuses. Dense urban NYC location creates significant legal restrictions under both NYC Administrative Code § 10-126 and FAA rules. Restrictions: Strict prohibition on unauthorized flights. NYC Admin Code § 10-126 effectively bans drone takeoff/landing citywide. University policy adds restrictions on campus properties. | Yes | NYU Department of Public Safety — publicsafety@nyu.edu |
| Columbia University | Columbia prohibits unauthorized drone flights on all campus properties including Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, and Medical Center campuses. NYC drone restrictions apply to all locations. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights. NYC airspace restrictions and Admin Code § 10-126 apply. No flights over buildings or quadrangles. | Yes | Columbia University Public Safety |
| SUNY University at Buffalo | UB requires approval from Office of Environment, Health & Safety for all drone operations on North and South campuses. Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. Restrictions: EHS approval required. Stadium TFR during events. No flights over occupied buildings. | Yes | Office of Environment, Health & Safety |
| SUNY Stony Brook University | Stony Brook requires all drone operations to be coordinated with Environmental Health & Safety and university police. Campus straddles Class D airspace near Republic Airport. Restrictions: EHS coordination mandatory. No flights over medical center or research facilities. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety |
| Cornell University | Cornell requires all UAS operations on campus to be approved by Environmental Health & Safety. University supports drone research through College of Engineering. Rural setting allows designated research flight areas. Restrictions: EHS approval required. No flights over Schoellkopf Field during events. Designated research areas available with approval. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety |
| Syracuse University | Syracuse requires drone operations on campus to be approved by Department of Public Safety. JMA Wireless Dome events trigger airspace restrictions. Restrictions: Public Safety approval required. Stadium area restricted during events. | Yes | Department of 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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