Oregon Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA

Restricts law enforcement drone operations to situations where a warrant has been issued (capped at 30 days), exigent circumstances exist, written consent is obtained, drones are used for training, or for search and rescue during emergencies or declared states of emergency. Also allows use for crime scene and accident reconstruction.

Requires public bodies (government agencies) to register unmanned aircraft systems with the Oregon Department of Aviation. Private individuals are exempt from state registration. ODA may charge a fee sufficient to reimburse department maintenance costs. Public bodies must provide annual reports on UAS usage frequency and purposes.

Prohibits intentional, knowing, or reckless operation of a drone capable of firing a projectile or functioning as a dangerous weapon. Violations are Class C or Class B felonies depending on whether injury results. Exceptions exist for authorized federal operations, nonlethal projectile operations with proper notification and liability insurance, and authorized commercial operations.

Prohibits operating a drone over private property in a manner that intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly harasses or annoys the owner or occupant. Penalties scale with prior history: first offense is Class B violation, one prior conviction is Class A violation, two or more priors is Class B misdemeanor. Court may order operator not to possess a drone as probation condition.

Prohibits intentional or knowing operation of a drone at or below 400 feet AGL over a critical infrastructure facility (including petroleum refineries, electrical substations, water treatment facilities, gas compressor stations, telecommunications facilities, ports, dams, pipelines, and law enforcement facilities) that is fenced or posted. Also prohibits allowing drone to make contact with facility or persons/objects on the property. Class A violation with exceptions for federal/public bodies, facility owners, those with written consent, and FAA-authorized commercial operators.

Prohibits recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally possessing or controlling a drone that: directs a laser at an aircraft in air, crashes into an aircraft, prevents takeoff/landing of aircraft, or interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response efforts. Reckless violations are Class A violations. Knowing/intentional violations are Class A misdemeanors (up to 1 year / $6,250). If death or serious physical injury results, offense is Class A felony (up to 20 years / $375,000). Repeat convictions mandate drone forfeiture.

Creates civil liability for any person who intentionally interferes with or gains unauthorized control over a drone licensed by the FAA, operated by U.S. Armed Forces, or operated by federal, state, or local law enforcement. Liable for minimum $5,000 plus reasonable attorney fees.

Allows property owners to bring civil action against drone operators who fly over their property after the owner has notified the operator they do not want the drone there. Property owners can recover treble damages (triple actual damages) and attorney fees. Does not apply if drone is lawfully in airport flight path or in process of takeoff/landing. Attorney General also has authority to bring nuisance or trespass actions.

Establishes that authority to regulate ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft systems is vested solely in the Oregon Legislative Assembly. Local governments (cities, counties, townships) are barred from enacting ordinances or regulations that regulate UAS ownership or operation, except as expressly authorized by state statute (specifically ORS 837.387 for park takeoff/landing).

Carves out express exception to state preemption: local governments may enact ordinances prohibiting or regulating takeoff and landing of drones in parks the local government owns. Must preserve exceptions for utility line inspection and public body emergency operations on park ground. Remains the only source of authority for city/county drone park restrictions.

Establishes Class A felony offense for intentionally causing a drone to fire a bullet/projectile at an aircraft in air, direct a laser at an aircraft in air, or crash into an aircraft in air. Also establishes Class C felony for intentional interference with or unauthorized control over FAA-licensed, U.S. Armed Forces, or law enforcement drone.

Directs Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt rules prohibiting drone use for angling, hunting, trapping, or aiding these activities by harassing, tracking, locating, or scouting wildlife. Also prohibits drone interference with persons lawfully hunting, fishing, or trapping. Violations enforced by ODFW troopers as wildlife violations.

New OPRD rule prohibits takeoff and landing of drones on OPRD-administered property and the entire public ocean shore (under 1967 Beach Bill) except within designated UAS Operation Areas published by OPRD. Overnight facilities are prohibition zones. Operators must not disturb wildlife or sensitive habitats. Commercial, research, and non-recreational use requires permit. OPRD may require pass for designated area use with fee structure contemplated.

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

Prohibits operation of drones in or over any Portland Parks & Recreation property, including Forest Park, Powell Butte Nature Park, Mt. Tabor, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Oregon Metro Parks Code Chapter 10.03 - Park Rules and Regulations

Bans all drone usage within the set boundaries of Oregon Metro Parks outside officially designated areas. Prohibition applies to flights under 400 feet AGL and includes airspace over parklands and water.

Lane County Parks - Special Use Permit

Drone use in Lane County Parks is permitted only after a Special Use Permit has been granted. Permit applications available as PDF template on Lane County Parks website.

Port of Portland - UAS Operations Policy

Prohibits recreational UAS operations on Port aviation, marine, industrial, and environmental properties. Commercial and public UAS operations require permit obtained from Port of Portland.

Sunriver Rules and Regulations - Section 5.05

Prohibits flight of unmanned aircraft, including aerial drones, without authorization from SROA General Manager. Violation is considered a Class A offense.

Eugene - Drone Use in City Parks

Eugene does not restrict drone use outside park property. Within city parks, drones are prohibited except in areas designated by the parks director.