Oregon Drone Laws

Restricts when and how law enforcement agencies may operate drones. LE may not operate drones except with a warrant (max 30 days), written consent from property owner, for training, search and rescue, emergency assistance, crime scene reconstruction, or during Governor-declared states of emergency. Requires data retention and policy compliance.

Requires all public bodies (government agencies) to register unmanned aircraft systems with the Oregon Department of Aviation. Private individuals are exempt from state registration. ODA may impose civil penalties up to $10,000 for non-compliance. Evidence obtained by public bodies in violation is inadmissible.

Prohibits intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly operating a drone that is capable of firing a bullet or other projectile, or that otherwise functions as a dangerous weapon. Exceptions include non-lethal projectile uses, FAA-authorized non-recreational use, and lawful operations with prior notification and $1M liability insurance. Violations scale based on whether serious physical injury results.

Prohibits operating a drone over private property in a manner that intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harasses or annoys the owner or occupant. Penalties escalate with prior violations. Court may prohibit the operator from possessing any drone as part of sentencing.

Prohibits intentionally or knowingly operating a drone at 400 feet AGL or lower over a critical infrastructure facility that is fenced or conspicuously posted. Covers 14 categories: refineries, power plants, chemical/polymer/rubber manufacturing, water/wastewater facilities, gas compressor stations, LNG terminals, telecom switching offices, ports/freight terminals, gas processing plants, transmission facilities, steel mills, high-hazard dams, pipelines, and correctional/law enforcement facilities. Exemptions for federal/state/local governments, facility owners, and operators with written consent or FAA authorization.

Prohibits directing a laser at an aircraft, crashing into an aircraft, preventing an aircraft's takeoff or landing, or interfering with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations. Three tiers: (1) reckless conduct = Class A violation up to $2,000; (2) knowing or intentional conduct = Class A misdemeanor up to 1 year jail + $6,250 fine; (3) causing death or serious physical injury = Class A felony up to 20 years + $375,000 fine. Repeat offenders mandatory drone forfeiture. Last amended by 2023 c.114 and 2023 c.249.

Establishes civil liability for persons who intentionally interfere with or gain unauthorized control over a drone licensed by the FAA, operated by U.S. military, or operated by federal/state/local law enforcement. Liable for minimum $5,000 + court must award reasonable attorney fees to prevailing plaintiff.

Allows property owners to file civil action against drone operators for flying over their property more than once after notifying the operator not to fly there. Recoverable damages are treble (triple) actual damages. Property owner may also obtain injunctive relief. Exception for lawful airport flight paths. Attorney General has parallel authority to bring nuisance/trespass actions.

Vests authority to regulate ownership or operation of drones solely in the Oregon Legislative Assembly. Except as expressly authorized by state statute, local governments may not regulate UAS ownership or operation. This creates a strong state preemption with limited local exceptions.

Carve-out exception to ORS 837.385 preemption. Permits local governments to pass ordinances prohibiting or regulating the takeoff and landing of drones in parks the local government owns. Must still allow utility provider inspections and public body emergency operations. Cannot regulate airspace—only ground-level conduct on local property.

Establishes felony-level penalties for firing a projectile at an aircraft, directing a laser at an aircraft, or crashing a drone into an aircraft when done intentionally. Also makes it a Class C felony to intentionally interfere with or gain unauthorized control over FAA-licensed, military, or law enforcement drones.

Prohibits use of drones for hunting, fishing, trapping, or aiding those activities (including scouting, locating, or harassing wildlife). Also prohibits interfering with persons lawfully engaged in hunting, fishing, or trapping. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife adopted rules implementing the ban.

New rule prohibiting takeoff and landing of drones on OPRD-administered property, including the entire public ocean shore under the 1967 Beach Bill, except within designated UAS Operation Areas. Overnight facilities are prohibition zones. Operators must not disturb wildlife or sensitive habitats. Commercial, research, and other non-recreational use requires permit. OPRD may require pass/fee for designated-area use. Initial coverage approximately 1-2 parks per region, 3-6 statewide.

Portland City Code § 20.12.180—Remote Control Vehicles, Aircraft and Watercraft

Prohibits operation of drones in or over any Portland city park outside areas designated by the Parks Director.

Metro Parks Rules and Regulations Chapter 10.03 (2018)

Comprehensive ban on all drone usage within Metro Parks property boundaries.

Eugene Parks Drone Policy

Allows drone use in designated areas only; does not restrict use outside park property.

Lane County Park Special Use Permit for Drones

Allows drone use only after Special Use Permit approval.

Port of Portland UAS Operations Policy

Prohibits recreational UAS operations on Port property; commercial/public operations require permit.

Sunriver Rules and Regulations § 5.05

Prohibits unmanned aircraft flights without authorization.