Oregon Drone Laws

Prohibits law enforcement from operating, acquiring information through, or disclosing information acquired through UAS except as authorized by statute. Establishes framework for LE drone use with warrant, exigent circumstances, training, search and rescue, and accident reconstruction exceptions.

Requires public bodies (government agencies) to register all UAS with the Oregon Department of Aviation. Public bodies must report annually on frequency and purpose of UAS use. Private individuals are exempt from state registration.

Prohibits intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly operating a drone that is capable of firing a bullet, projectile, or otherwise functions as a dangerous weapon. Exemptions exist for nonlethal projectiles, FAA-authorized operations, and operations with proper authorization and liability insurance ($1 million minimum).

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 offenses. Court may prohibit drone possession as condition of probation.

Prohibits operating a drone over a critical infrastructure facility at 400 feet AGL or lower, or allowing a drone to make contact with the facility. Defines critical infrastructure as 14 categories including refineries, power plants, water treatment facilities, chemical plants, natural gas stations, dams, telecommunications offices, ports, pipelines, and correctional/law enforcement facilities. Only applies if facility is fenced or conspicuously posted.

Three-tier statute prohibiting reckless or intentional interference with aircraft takeoff/landing, directing lasers at aircraft, crashing drones into aircraft, or interfering with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, search and rescue, or emergency response operations. Last amended by 2023 c.114 and 2023 c.249 to clarify emergency response protections and increase misdemeanor penalties.

Creates civil liability for intentional interference with or unauthorized control of FAA-licensed drones or drones operated by U.S. military, federal, state, or local law enforcement. Minimum liability of $5,000; court awards reasonable attorney fees to prevailing plaintiff.

Allows property owners to bring civil action for treble damages (triple actual damages) and attorney fees against drone operators who fly over the property after the owner has notified the operator that drones are not welcome. Cause of action does not apply if drone is in lawful airport flight path or taking off/landing. Attorney General has parallel authority to bring nuisance or trespass actions.

Establishes that authority to regulate ownership or operation of UAS is vested solely in the Oregon Legislative Assembly. Preempts local governments from enacting ordinances regulating UAS ownership or operation, with one express exception for local parks regulation under ORS 837.387.

Permits local governments to pass ordinances prohibiting or regulating takeoff and landing of drones on parks owned by the local government, subject to exceptions for utility provider line inspection and public body emergency operations. This is the sole exception to the state preemption rule in ORS 837.385.

Establishes felony-level penalties for intentionally firing projectiles at aircraft via drone, directing lasers at aircraft, crashing drones into aircraft, or intentionally interfering with FAA-licensed, military, or law enforcement UAS.

Prohibits using drones to hunt, fish, trap, or aid in those activities by harassing, tracking, locating, or scouting wildlife. Also prohibits using drones to interfere with persons lawfully hunting, fishing, or trapping. Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopts implementing rules.

New OPRD rule prohibits takeoff and landing of drones on all OPRD-administered property, including the entire Oregon public ocean shore, except within designated UAS Operation Areas. Overnight facilities are prohibition zones. Operators must not disturb wildlife or sensitive habitats. Commercial, research, and non-recreational use requires permit. OPRD is publishing list of designated parks on rolling basis.

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

Prohibits operation of drones in or over any Portland park without authorization from the Director. Exceptions for city-permitted work, public-body emergency operations, emergency landings with no safe alternative, and city-designated areas or Chapter 20.08 permits.

Oregon Metro Parks - Park Rules and Regulations Chapter 10.03

Prohibits drone use within the boundaries of any Oregon Metro Park outside officially designated areas. Restrictions also prohibit flying drones under 400 feet above parklands and water within Metro Park boundaries.

City of Eugene Drone Policy

Eugene's drone policy prohibits flying drones in or over any city park except in places designated by the parks director. The city does not restrict drone use outside park property, subject to FAA rules and controlled airspace (Class C around Mahlon Sweet Field).

Lane County Parks - Special Use Permit Requirement

Drone use in Lane County Parks is allowed only after a Special Use Permit has been granted by the parks department. Permit application templates are available on the Lane County Parks website.

Port of Portland - UAS Operations Policy

Port prohibits recreational UAS operations on Port aviation, marine, industrial, and environmental properties. Commercial and public UAS operations require permit; minimum 5 business days processing time.

Sunriver Rules and Regulations Section 5.05

Flight of unmanned aircraft is prohibited in Sunriver unless authorized by the Sunriver Resort Owners Association General Manager. Violation is a Class A offense.