Oregon Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Oregon maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with targeted restrictions on weaponized UAS, critical infrastructure protection, law enforcement use, and privacy. Public bodies must register drones with the Oregon Department of Aviation, and law enforcement requires a warrant or enumerated exception to deploy drones. Local ordinances in Portland and Metro Parks restrict drone use in park areas. Private commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107, and all operators are subject to federal Remote ID requirements.
State Drone Laws
HB 2710 (2013)Unmanned Aircraft System Regulations and Public Body Drone Operations
Allows law enforcement to operate drones with a warrant and for enumerated exceptions including training. Requires that drones operated by public bodies be registered with the Oregon Department of Aviation. Creates crimes and civil penalties for mounting weapons on drones and interfering with public drones. Allows landowners to bring action against drone operators flying below 400 feet over private property if prior notice was given, except for lawful landing/takeoff at airports.
HB 4066 (2016)Unmanned Aircraft System Weaponization and Public Body Regulation
Makes it a Class A misdemeanor to operate a weaponized UAS. Modifies definitions related to UAS. Regulates the use of drones by public bodies, including requiring policies and procedures for the retention of data. Prohibits the use of UAS near critical infrastructure, including correctional facilities.
SB 5702 (2016)Public Unmanned Aircraft System Registration Fees
Specifies the fees for the registration of public UAS with the Oregon Department of Aviation. Applies only to drones operated by public bodies; private/commercial operators are subject to FAA registration requirements.
HB 3047 (2017)Unmanned Aircraft System Weaponization and Law Enforcement Use
Modifies the law prohibiting UAS weaponization, making it a Class C felony to fire a bullet or projectile from a weaponized UAS. Allows law enforcement to use UAS to reconstruct accident scenes. Prohibits the use of UAS over private property in a manner that intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harasses or annoys the owner or occupant of the property.
ORS 837.300–837.380Oregon Revised Statutes — Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Codified Provisions)
The codified Oregon statutes governing UAS, incorporating provisions from HB 2710, HB 4066, and HB 3047. Covers law enforcement warrant requirements, public body registration, weaponization prohibitions, critical infrastructure restrictions, and private property overflight civil actions. ORS 837.365 specifically prohibits operation of UAS over correctional facilities. ORS 837.380 addresses harassment via UAS over private property.
ORS 837.365Prohibition on UAS Operations Over Correctional Facilities
Prohibits the operation of unmanned aircraft systems over or near correctional facilities in Oregon. This provision was introduced as part of HB 4066 (2016) and is codified in Oregon Revised Statutes. Violations may constitute a criminal offense.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
City of Portland
cityPortland Municipal Code — Drone Use in City Parks
Prohibits drones in or over any city park, except in places that have been designated for such use by the Director. Operators must comply with all applicable FAA rules in addition to this local restriction.
Restrictions
No drone flights in city parks except in Director-designated areas
Oregon Metro Parks
countyMetro Code Chapter 10.03 — Park Rules and Drone Restrictions
Prohibits the use of drones in the boundaries of any Oregon Metro Park, except in areas that are designated for such use. Applies to the regional parks system administered by Metro, the Portland-area regional government.
Restrictions
No drone flights in Metro Parks except in designated areas
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating a weaponized UAS (ORS 837.340 / HB 4066) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Oregon State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced felony penalty applies if projectile is actually fired from the weaponized UAS (see HB 3047) |
| Firing a bullet or projectile from a weaponized UAS (ORS 837.340 / HB 3047) | Class C Felony | Up to $125,000 | Up to 5 years | Oregon State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Enhanced felony charge for actual discharge of projectiles from a weaponized UAS |
| Harassment or annoyance via UAS over private property (ORS 837.380 / HB 3047) | Civil liability | Damages recoverable | Landowner civil action | Requires intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct that harasses or annoys property owner/occupant. May also implicate criminal harassment statutes depending on circumstances. | |
| Mounting weapons on drones (ORS 837.340 / HB 2710) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Oregon State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Distinct from the act of operating or firing; mounting alone constitutes the offense |
| Interfering with or gaining unauthorized access to public drones (HB 2710) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Oregon State Police / Local Law Enforcement | Applies to drones operated by public bodies; analogous to interference with law enforcement equipment |
| Operating UAS over a correctional facility (ORS 837.365 / HB 4066) | Criminal violation (misdemeanor) | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | Oregon State Police / Oregon Department of Corrections / Local Law Enforcement | Specific prohibition protecting correctional facilities as critical infrastructure; exact classification subject to prosecutorial charging discretion |
Operating a weaponized UAS (ORS 837.340 / HB 4066)
Enhanced felony penalty applies if projectile is actually fired from the weaponized UAS (see HB 3047)
Firing a bullet or projectile from a weaponized UAS (ORS 837.340 / HB 3047)
Enhanced felony charge for actual discharge of projectiles from a weaponized UAS
Harassment or annoyance via UAS over private property (ORS 837.380 / HB 3047)
Requires intentional, knowing, or reckless conduct that harasses or annoys property owner/occupant. May also implicate criminal harassment statutes depending on circumstances.
Mounting weapons on drones (ORS 837.340 / HB 2710)
Distinct from the act of operating or firing; mounting alone constitutes the offense
Interfering with or gaining unauthorized access to public drones (HB 2710)
Applies to drones operated by public bodies; analogous to interference with law enforcement equipment
Operating UAS over a correctional facility (ORS 837.365 / HB 4066)
Specific prohibition protecting correctional facilities as critical infrastructure; exact classification subject to prosecutorial charging discretion
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Public bodies operating drones must register with the Oregon Department of Aviation (DOA) and pay applicable fees as specified in SB 5702 (2016). The DOA maintains a registry of drones operated by public bodies. Private recreational drones are subject to federal FAA registration if over 0.55 lbs (250g); there is no separate state registration requirement for private or commercial operators.
Law enforcement may operate drones with a warrant or under enumerated exceptions (training, accident reconstruction, imminent threat to life, etc.). No general state permit requirement for private operators beyond federal FAA Part 107 for commercial use or TRUST for recreational use.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
All commercial drone pilots in Oregon must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements
Oregon commercial drone operators are required to pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. Part 107 governs altitude, airspace, line-of-sight requirements, and operational limitations for commercial UAS operations throughout Oregon. State law does not duplicate or conflict with Part 107 but adds additional requirements for public bodies and restrictions on weaponization.
FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone operators in Oregon must pass TRUST
Hobbyist drone pilots flying for pleasure in Oregon must pass the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and comply with FAA recreational model aircraft rules under 49 USC 44809. Drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA for $5. Oregon has no separate state recreational registration requirement.
Certificate of Authorization (COA)
Government drone operators may operate under COA
Government employees (police, fire, emergency services) in Oregon may operate drones either under FAA Part 107 or by obtaining a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA) for specific operations. Oregon's state law additionally requires a warrant or enumerated exception for law enforcement drone use, layering state requirements on top of federal authorization.
Remote ID Compliance
Federal Remote ID requirement applies to Oregon drone operators
All UAS operators in Oregon must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements (effective September 16, 2023). Non-compliance can result in certificate suspension and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per violation. This applies to both commercial and recreational operators statewide. Oregon has not enacted any state-level Remote ID legislation.
Airspace Authorization (LAANC)
Drone operators in Oregon must use LAANC or obtain waivers for controlled airspace
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is available throughout Oregon for real-time airspace authorization near controlled airports including PDX, EUG, MFR, HIO, and RDM. Operators flying in controlled airspace must either use LAANC or obtain explicit FAA approval/waivers. Oregon state law does not separately regulate airspace access beyond federal requirements.
FAA Preemption of Airspace
Federal law preempts state regulation of navigable airspace
Under 49 USC 40103, the FAA has exclusive sovereignty over navigable airspace. Oregon's drone laws are carefully scoped to avoid direct airspace regulation, instead focusing on weaponization, privacy, public body registration, and law enforcement use — areas where state authority is generally recognized. Oregon has not enacted an explicit state preemption statute regarding local drone ordinances, which creates potential for conflicting local regulations.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) coverage is available through the FAA B4UFly app and DroneZone for real-time airspace authorization in Oregon, including around Portland International Airport (PDX), Eugene Airport (EUG), and other controlled airspace.
Major Airports
PDX — Portland International AirportHIO — Portland-Hillsboro AirportEUG — Eugene Airport (Mahlon Sweet Field)MFR — Rogue Valley International–Medford AirportRDM — Roberts Field (Redmond Municipal Airport)OTH — Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (North Bend/Coos Bay)LMT — Klamath Falls AirportAST — Astoria Regional Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are regularly established around major sporting events in Oregon, including football games at Autzen Stadium (University of Oregon, Eugene) and Reser Stadium (Oregon State University, Corvallis). Stadium TFRs typically extend 3 nautical miles and are active from 1 hour before through 1 hour after events. Wildfire TFRs are common in eastern and southern Oregon during fire season. Presidential and VIP TFRs apply as needed statewide.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Federal agencies boost drone violation penalties
enforcementFederal agencies increased enforcement penalties and actions against drone violations, including detection of unauthorized operations over restricted military airspace. Oregon operators are subject to these enhanced federal penalties in addition to state-level enforcement.
US agencies step up enforcement actions on rogue drones
enforcementUS agencies announced increased enforcement actions against unauthorized and rogue drone operations nationwide. Oregon operators are reminded that federal penalties supplement Oregon's state-level criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized UAS operations.
Pending Legislation
No confirmed pending Oregon drone legislation identified
Last action: Invalid Date
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon | UO requires all drone flights on campus to be approved by the Office of Safety and Risk Services prior to operation. Operators must demonstrate compliance with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules, and provide proof of authorization. Autzen Stadium TFR applies during football games and major events. Restrictions: Safety and Risk Services approval required for all campus flights. Stadium TFR active during events (3 nautical miles, 1 hour before/after). No flights without prior written authorization. Commercial operations require additional review. | Yes | Office of Safety and Risk Services |
| Oregon State University | OSU requires approval from Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) for all drone operations on or over university property. Operators must submit a UAS request form and demonstrate FAA compliance. Reser Stadium TFR applies during athletic events. OSU also has an active drone research program through the College of Engineering. Restrictions: Environmental Health & Safety approval required for all campus flights. Stadium TFR active during events. No flights without prior written authorization. Research drone use requires additional departmental approval. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) |
| Portland State University | PSU prohibits unauthorized drone operations on or over university property in the South Park Blocks urban campus area. All drone flights require prior approval from PSU Risk Management. Urban campus location places PSU within Portland Class C/D airspace requiring LAANC authorization. Portland Municipal Code park drone restrictions may also apply to portions of campus. Restrictions: Risk Management approval required for all campus flights. Airspace authorization via LAANC required for urban campus location. Portland Municipal Code drone restrictions may apply in adjacent park areas. | Yes | PSU Risk Management |
| University of Portland | University of Portland requires prior authorization from university administration for any drone operations on campus property. All operators must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules. Campus is located near PDX approach paths, requiring careful airspace coordination. Restrictions: Prior administrative authorization required. FAA airspace coordination required due to proximity to PDX. No unauthorized flights over campus buildings or athletic facilities. | Yes | University Administration / Facilities |
| Southern Oregon University | SOU requires drone operators to obtain approval from university facilities or administration before conducting any UAS operations on or over campus property in Ashland. Operators must comply with all FAA requirements and Oregon state UAS statutes. Restrictions: Prior authorization from university required. FAA compliance mandatory. Proximity to Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) may require airspace coordination for some campus areas. | Yes | SOU Facilities Management |
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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