Pennsylvania Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Pennsylvania maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with targeted laws addressing privacy violations, surveillance, and contraband delivery via drone. The state preempts municipal regulations under 53 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 305, preventing a patchwork of local restrictions, while the DCNR restricts drone use in state parks to designated flying sites or approved operations. Several pending bills in the current legislative session could expand the scope of unlawful UAS use provisions and authorize interstate UAS research agreements.
State Drone Laws
18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3505Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft System
Makes it unlawful to operate a drone to intentionally or knowingly conduct surveillance of another person in a private place, operate in a manner that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury, or to deliver, provide, transmit or furnish contraband. Graded as a misdemeanor of the first degree for surveillance and fear-of-injury offenses, and a felony of the third degree for contraband delivery.
53 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 305Preemption of Municipal Drone Regulations
Establishes that Title 18 § 3505 shall preempt and supersede any ordinance, resolution, rule or other enactment of a municipality regulating the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft. As of October 12, 2018, no municipality may regulate drone ownership or operation unless expressly authorized by statute.
17 Pa. Code § 11.215Unmanned Aircraft Prohibition in State Parks and Natural Areas
Unmanned aircraft are prohibited within Pennsylvania state parks, game lands, and designated natural areas unless specifically authorized by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The regulation allows the Department to restrict drone use to protect public safety, wildlife, and natural resources, with limited exceptions for approved or permitted operations. Designated flying sites exist at Beltzville, Benjamin Rush, Hillman, Lackawanna, Prompton, and Tuscarora State Parks.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful surveillance using drone — intentional surveillance of person in private place or placing person in fear of bodily injury (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3505(a)(1) and (a)(2)) | Misdemeanor of the First Degree | Up to $10,000 | Up to 5 years | Pennsylvania State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Pennsylvania misdemeanor of the first degree is graded more severely than a 'Class A misdemeanor' — the prior data entry of 'Class A misdemeanor / up to 1 year / up to $2,500' appears to have been incorrect. Under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1104(1), misdemeanor of the first degree carries up to 5 years; § 1101(3) provides fines up to $10,000. Human verification of exact penalty grading is recommended. |
| Delivering contraband via drone (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3505(a)(3)) | Felony of the Third Degree | Up to $15,000 | Up to 7 years | Pennsylvania State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Contraband delivery offense is graded as a felony of the third degree under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3505. Under § 1103(3) up to 7 years; § 1101(3) fines up to $15,000. Human verification recommended. |
| Drone operation in state parks without authorization (17 Pa. Code § 11.215) | State Park Violation | Varies by Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regulations | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | Exceptions exist for designated flying sites at six specified state parks |
Unlawful surveillance using drone — intentional surveillance of person in private place or placing person in fear of bodily injury (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3505(a)(1) and (a)(2))
Pennsylvania misdemeanor of the first degree is graded more severely than a 'Class A misdemeanor' — the prior data entry of 'Class A misdemeanor / up to 1 year / up to $2,500' appears to have been incorrect. Under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1104(1), misdemeanor of the first degree carries up to 5 years; § 1101(3) provides fines up to $10,000. Human verification of exact penalty grading is recommended.
Delivering contraband via drone (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3505(a)(3))
Contraband delivery offense is graded as a felony of the third degree under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3505. Under § 1103(3) up to 7 years; § 1101(3) fines up to $15,000. Human verification recommended.
Drone operation in state parks without authorization (17 Pa. Code § 11.215)
Exceptions exist for designated flying sites at six specified state parks
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Pennsylvania does not impose state-level drone registration requirements beyond federal FAA requirements. Federal registration is required for recreational drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) and for all commercial Part 107 operations.
No state permit required for general operations. However, specific approvals are required for state park operations through DCNR. DCNR may issue permits for operations at designated flying sites or for special approved purposes.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone pilots in Pennsylvania must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule
All commercial drone operations in Pennsylvania are subject to FAA Part 107 requirements, including Remote Pilot Certificate, visual line-of-sight operations, and operational restrictions. State law under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3505 supplements federal law by adding criminal penalties for specific misuse, but does not independently authorize commercial operations.
Recreational TRUST Certification
Recreational drone operators must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Hobbyist/recreational drone operators in Pennsylvania must complete the FAA's TRUST test and comply with recreational model aircraft rules under 49 U.S.C. § 44809. Drones exceeding 0.55 lbs (250g) require federal registration at a cost of $5.
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID requirements are enforced nationwide including in Pennsylvania
As of the FAA's Remote ID final rule (effective September 16, 2023), all UAS operators must comply with Remote ID requirements or operate within an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA). Non-compliance can result in certificate suspension or civil penalties. Pennsylvania has no separate state Remote ID requirement.
State Preemption vs. Federal Airspace Authority
Pennsylvania's preemption statute operates within the bounds of exclusive federal airspace authority
While Pennsylvania preempts local municipal drone regulations under 53 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 305, the federal government retains exclusive sovereignty over navigable airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 40103. Pennsylvania's criminal and park regulations address ground-level conduct and land-use aspects of drone operations, which are generally permissible state exercises, but any state law that attempts to regulate flight operations directly could face federal preemption challenges.
Counter-UAS Authority Gap
State and local governments lack authority to interdict or destroy unauthorized drones
Pennsylvania HR 13 (pending) highlights an existing federal authority gap: state and local law enforcement in Pennsylvania currently lack legal authority to jam, spoof, or shoot down unauthorized drones. Only certain federal agencies hold counter-UAS authority under 49 U.S.C. § 44810 and related statutes. This is a significant operational limitation for Pennsylvania law enforcement.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at major Pennsylvania airports including Philadelphia International, Pittsburgh International, Harrisburg International, and Lehigh Valley International. Operators should check LAANC availability for their specific location via the FAA DroneZone or B4UFLY application.
Major Airports
PHL — Philadelphia International AirportPIT — Pittsburgh International AirportMDT — Harrisburg International AirportABE — Lehigh Valley International AirportAVP — Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International AirportERI — Erie International Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are commonly established around major sporting events, including Beaver Stadium (Penn State University) during football games and Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers) during events. Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles) and Citizens Bank Park also generate periodic TFRs. Additional TFRs may be established around critical infrastructure, special events, nuclear facilities, and high-density urban areas. The FAA has increased enforcement following incidents of unauthorized UAS near sensitive military and federal facilities.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Federal Agencies Boost Drone Violation Penalties After Detection Over Fort McNair
enforcementFederal agencies increased enforcement and penalties for drone regulation violations following detection of unauthorized drones over sensitive military airspace. Pennsylvania operators are subject to enhanced federal scrutiny under this posture.
FAA Details Actions Against Drone Operators for Unsafe and Unauthorized Operations
enforcementFAA announced enforcement actions against multiple drone operators for violations of FAA regulations, including unsafe operations and unauthorized airspace access. These federal enforcement actions apply to Pennsylvania operators.
Pending Legislation
SB 468Laid on the table (stalled)Providing for Interstate Agreements for Research and Deployment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Would amend Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to provide authority for the state to enter into interstate agreements for research and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems.
Last action: February 3, 2026
HB 1926In Committee — JudiciaryFurther Providing for the Offense of Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft
An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to further define and expand provisions regarding the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft. Specific expansions have not been publicly detailed; human verification of bill text is recommended.
Last action: October 6, 2025
HB 2239In Committee — JudiciaryFurther Providing for the Offense of Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft
An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to further provide for the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft. This bill and HB 1926 may represent competing or complementary approaches; human review of both bill texts is recommended to identify overlapping provisions.
Last action: February 25, 2026
HR 13In Committee — Intergovernmental Affairs & OperationsUrging the Federal Government to Provide State and Local Governments with Authority to Respond to Unidentified Drone Threats
A Resolution urging the Federal Government to provide State and local governments with the authority to respond swiftly and decisively to unidentified drone threats. This is a non-binding resolution and would not itself change state law, but signals legislative intent to seek expanded counter-UAS authority.
Last action: January 17, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State University | Penn State requires all UAS operations on university property to be approved through the Office of Physical Plant and Environmental Health & Safety. Operators must comply with FAA regulations and university policy. Beaver Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the US, is subject to strict FAA TFR enforcement during football games. Restrictions: Prior approval required for all drone operations on campus. Beaver Stadium TFR strictly enforced during football games. No flights over campus buildings, medical facilities, or crowds without specific authorization. Part 107 certification required for commercial or research operations. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Office of Physical Plant — ehs@psu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pitt requires drone operators to obtain written approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety prior to any UAS operation on university property. All operators must hold applicable FAA certifications. Acrisure Stadium (shared with Pittsburgh Steelers) is subject to FAA TFR restrictions during events. Restrictions: Written EHS approval required for all drone operations on campus. Stadium TFR in effect during Steelers games and university events. Insurance documentation may be required for research or commercial flights. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@pitt.edu |
| Temple University | Temple University, located in Philadelphia, requires compliance with FAA regulations and university risk management approval for all drone operations on campus. Operations near PHL Class B airspace require LAANC authorization or FAA waiver in addition to university approval. Restrictions: Risk management and department approval required. FAA Part 107 certification required for non-recreational operations. LAANC authorization required due to proximity to PHL Class B airspace. No flights over crowds or events without specific authorization. | Yes | Temple University Risk Management — riskmanagement@temple.edu |
| Drexel University | Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, requires prior authorization for all UAS operations on university property. Operations are subject to FAA Class B airspace restrictions due to proximity to Philadelphia International Airport. Operators must comply with all applicable FAA regulations. Restrictions: Prior authorization required from relevant department and safety office. LAANC or FAA airspace authorization required for Philadelphia airspace. No flights over buildings, people, or events without specific approval. | Yes | Drexel University Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@drexel.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University | CMU requires all drone operations on university property to comply with FAA regulations and university environmental health and safety policy. CMU conducts significant robotics and autonomous systems research and has established internal protocols for research UAS operations. Restrictions: EHS approval and department authorization required for all campus UAS operations. Research flights must comply with FAA Part 107 or applicable waiver. Proximity to Acrisure Stadium and Pittsburgh International Airport requires airspace coordination. | Yes | CMU Environmental Health & Safety — ehs@andrew.cmu.edu |
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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