Pennsylvania Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Pennsylvania regulates drone operations through state statutes targeting privacy, harassment, and contraband delivery, combined with agency restrictions on state parks and game lands. The state preempts municipal drone ordinances while allowing local governments to regulate takeoff and landing on city-owned property. Federal FAA rules apply throughout.
State Drone Laws
18 Pa.C.S. § 3505Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits intentional or knowing surveillance of another person in a private place, operating in a manner that places another in reasonable fear of bodily injury, or delivering contraband to a correctional facility. Surveillance and harassment are summary offenses; contraband delivery is a second-degree felony. Exceptions apply for law enforcement, emergency responders, utility employees, and government employees performing official duties.
53 Pa.C.S. § 305Local Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Prohibited
Preempts municipalities from regulating the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft. Municipal governments may regulate takeoff and landing on city-owned property but cannot regulate airspace operations. Applies to counties, cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, townships, and other general-purpose units of government.
17 Pa. Code § 11.215Unmanned Aircraft Restrictions in State Parks and Game Lands
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) prohibits drone operations within Pennsylvania state parks and game lands unless specifically authorized. Allows DCNR to restrict drone use to protect public safety, wildlife, and natural resources. Six state parks designated for recreational drone flight in designated areas: Benjamin Rush (Philadelphia), Beltzville (Carbon County), Hillman (Washington County), Lackawanna (Lackawanna County), Prompton (Wayne County), and Tuscarora (Schuylkill County). Special activities agreements available for commercial work and filming (30-day lead time, insurance and Part 107 required).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2308 and 58 Pa. Code Chapter 141Prohibition on Using Drones for Hunting and Wildlife Management
Pennsylvania Game Commission prohibits using drones to locate, drive, harass, or take any game or wildlife on State Game Lands (1.5 million acres across 308 tracts). Includes prohibition on drone-assisted recovery of downed or wounded deer. Game Commission interprets hunting recovery as part of the act of hunting. Pilots have been cited for attempted drone-assisted deer recovery with fines reaching $2,500 and hunting license suspension. SB 303 (pending) would carve out legal recovery exception with permit system.
18 Pa.C.S. § 5703Wiretap Act - Two-Party Consent Audio Recording
Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state. Recording any oral communication without consent from all parties is prohibited. Applies to drone-mounted audio devices that capture conversation without consent. Violation is a third-degree felony. DJI drones record audio by default and must be disabled in settings to avoid liability.
18 Pa.C.S. § 7507.1Invasion of Privacy
Prohibits invasion of privacy through photography, surveillance, or peeping. Applied to drone operations that conduct surveillance without consent or reasonable expectation of privacy. Third-degree misdemeanor on first offense, second-degree on subsequent offenses. Prosecuted when drone surveillance falls outside § 3505's narrow 'private place' definition.
18 Pa.C.S. § 2709Harassment
Prohibits harassment of another person, including through drone operations. Applied to drone conduct that harasses, intimidates, or threatens another person where § 3505 does not apply. Used to prosecute harassment-type drone conduct outside the specific § 3505(a)(2) 'reasonable fear' definition.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Philadelphia
cityPhiladelphia Code § 10-620 (Legacy - Preempted in Direct Provisions)
Historic drone ordinance from 2017 considered preempted in its direct drone-operation provisions by Act 78 preemption clause. Enforcement shifted to property-use regulations rather than airspace operations.
Restrictions
City of Philadelphia requires permits for commercial drone filming through Parks & Recreation department. Drone launches and landings on city-owned property treated as use of property. Fairmount Park generally does not allow recreational drone flight; Benjamin Rush State Park is designated alternative. Class B airspace (PHL); LAANC required.
Pittsburgh
cityRegional Parks Drone Permit Requirements
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Allegheny County Parks require permits for recreational and commercial drone operations in city and county parks.
Restrictions
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: Schenley Park, Frick Park, Riverview Park, and Highland Park require written permission. Allegheny County Parks (nine parks including North Park and South Park): Special Use permit process required. Class B airspace (PIT); LAANC required. No recreational drones in Pittsburgh city parks.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surveillance in a private place (18 Pa.C.S. § 3505(a)(1)) | Summary Offense | Up to $300 | Up to 90 days | District Attorney, Pennsylvania State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Private place defined as home interior, fenced backyard, changing room, or any place with reasonable expectation of privacy |
| Operating drone to place another in reasonable fear of bodily injury (18 Pa.C.S. § 3505(a)(2)) | Summary Offense | Up to $300 | Up to 90 days | District Attorney, Pennsylvania State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Covers buzzing crowds, chasing pedestrians, hovering to menace, or any operation creating reasonable fear |
| Delivering contraband to correctional facility (18 Pa.C.S. § 3505(a)(3)) | Felony of the Second Degree | Up to $25,000 | Up to 10 years | District Attorney, Department of Corrections, Federal authorities if federal facility | Specific targeting of aerial supply lines to correctional facilities. May be prosecuted jointly with federal charges. Major penalty enhancement compared to privacy violations. |
| Recording audio without all-party consent (18 Pa.C.S. § 5703) | Felony of the Third Degree | Up to $15,000 | Up to 7 years | District Attorney, Pennsylvania State Police | Two-party consent state. Applies if drone microphone captures any conversation without consent from all parties. Disable audio in drone settings to avoid liability. |
| Invasion of privacy (18 Pa.C.S. § 7507.1) | M3 (first offense), M2 (repeat offense) | Up to $2,500 (M3); up to $5,000 (M2) | Up to 1 year (M3); up to 2 years (M2) | District Attorney, Local Law Enforcement | Covers surveillance and photography without consent. Applied to drone-based peeping tom conduct outside § 3505's narrow 'private place' definition. |
| Harassment (18 Pa.C.S. § 2709) | Summary Offense | Up to $300 | Up to 30 days | District Attorney, Local Law Enforcement | Applied to drone harassment conduct not covered by § 3505(a)(2) definition of reasonable fear of bodily injury |
| Operating drone in state parks without authorization (17 Pa. Code § 11.215) | Summary Offense | Varies | Varies | DCNR Park Rangers | Prohibited at 115 of 121 state parks. Allowed only at six designated sites or with special activities agreement. Contact park office in advance. |
| Using drone for hunting or wildlife management (34 Pa.C.S. § 2308, 58 Pa. Code § 141.68) | Summary Offense | Up to $2,500 | Varies | Pennsylvania Game Commission, Wildlife Conservation Officers | Includes prohibition on drone-assisted deer recovery. Enforcement includes hunting license suspension. Game Commission actively enforces via sting operations. |
Surveillance in a private place (18 Pa.C.S. § 3505(a)(1))
Private place defined as home interior, fenced backyard, changing room, or any place with reasonable expectation of privacy
Operating drone to place another in reasonable fear of bodily injury (18 Pa.C.S. § 3505(a)(2))
Covers buzzing crowds, chasing pedestrians, hovering to menace, or any operation creating reasonable fear
Delivering contraband to correctional facility (18 Pa.C.S. § 3505(a)(3))
Specific targeting of aerial supply lines to correctional facilities. May be prosecuted jointly with federal charges. Major penalty enhancement compared to privacy violations.
Recording audio without all-party consent (18 Pa.C.S. § 5703)
Two-party consent state. Applies if drone microphone captures any conversation without consent from all parties. Disable audio in drone settings to avoid liability.
Invasion of privacy (18 Pa.C.S. § 7507.1)
Covers surveillance and photography without consent. Applied to drone-based peeping tom conduct outside § 3505's narrow 'private place' definition.
Harassment (18 Pa.C.S. § 2709)
Applied to drone harassment conduct not covered by § 3505(a)(2) definition of reasonable fear of bodily injury
Operating drone in state parks without authorization (17 Pa. Code § 11.215)
Prohibited at 115 of 121 state parks. Allowed only at six designated sites or with special activities agreement. Contact park office in advance.
Using drone for hunting or wildlife management (34 Pa.C.S. § 2308, 58 Pa. Code § 141.68)
Includes prohibition on drone-assisted deer recovery. Enforcement includes hunting license suspension. Game Commission actively enforces via sting operations.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Pennsylvania does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) required for all drones over 250g. Drones under 250g used recreationally are exempt from FAA registration but must comply with all flight rules including Pennsylvania state park restrictions.
Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 certificate ($175 test fee, valid 24 months). Special permits required for state park and DCNR lands (30-day lead time, insurance and Part 107 required for commercial work). City of Philadelphia requires commercial filming permit. Pittsburgh Parks and Allegheny County Parks require permits for park flights.
Not required by state law. Commercial operators typically maintain $1 million liability coverage. DCNR special activities agreements require insurance.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 - Commercial Small UAS Rule
All commercial drone operations in Pennsylvania fall under FAA Part 107
Pennsylvania does not add state-level commercial licensing requirements beyond federal Part 107. Remote Pilot Certificate required ($175 test fee), valid 24 months. Part 107 waivers available for BVLOS, night operations, and operations over people. Operators must comply with airspace restrictions, LAANC requirements, altitude limitations (400 feet AGL unless waivered), and visual line of sight. Pennsylvania business license required through Department of Revenue for commercial operations.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Free online test required for recreational drone flights
Mandatory for all recreational flights under 49 USC 44809. Certificate must be carried when flying. Test available through FAA-approved test administrators nationwide. If lost, must retake test. TRUST certificate required proof for law enforcement.
Remote ID Requirement
All drones flown outdoors must broadcast Remote ID, location, and altitude information
Mandatory since March 16, 2024 for all registered drones. Enables law enforcement identification of legal vs. unlawful flights. Exception for flights within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Remote ID allows enforcement to quickly identify contraband delivery operations and prosecute under § 3505(a)(3).
14 CFR § 99.7 - Stadium Temporary Flight Restrictions
Federal TFRs apply around stadiums seating 30,000+ during major sporting events
Three-mile radius around Beaver Stadium (Penn State, 106,000 capacity), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles, 70,000 capacity), and Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers, 70,000 capacity). Applies one hour before through one hour after MLB, NFL, NCAA D-I football, and motor-sport events. Violation can result in federal penalties up to $32,666 per violation.
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability)
System for requesting authorization to fly in controlled airspace
Available at 726 U.S. airports including all Pennsylvania Class B and C airports. Allows near-real-time authorization for flights under 400 feet in controlled airspace. Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers can use LAANC. Manual authorization process available for flights above designated UAS Facility Map altitudes (Part 107 only). Applications accepted up to 90 days in advance.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Pennsylvania has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 airports nationwide, including all major Pennsylvania airports. Near-real-time authorization available through DJI Fly, Aloft, AirHub, and other FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers. Class B airspace (PHL, PIT) requires LAANC authorization. Class C (MDT, ABE, WBS) and surface-E airspace also require coordination.
Major Airports
PHL — Philadelphia International (Class B)PIT — Pittsburgh International (Class B)MDT — Harrisburg International (Class C)ABE — Lehigh Valley International (Class C)WBS — Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International (Class C)
TFR Notice
Federal Stadium TFRs (3-mile radius, 1 hour before to 1 hour after events): Beaver Stadium (Penn State), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles), Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers). Military restricted zones around Letterkenny Army Depot (south-central PA) and Tobyhanna Army Depot (northeastern PA). Temporary flight restrictions may be issued for major events (FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl, etc.). Check B4UFLY before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
PA Game Commission Sting Operation on Drone Deer Recovery
enforcementPennsylvania Game Commission conducted sting operation in Lancaster County targeting commercial drone operator offering deer-recovery services on game lands. Operator received 4 citations: unlawful devices, disturbance of wildlife, restrictions on searchlighting, and use of prohibited methods. Fines reached $2,500 with hunting license suspension. Prompted SB 303 proposal to legalize drone-assisted recovery with permit system.
Gamalier Rivera Federal Sentencing for Drone Contraband Delivery
enforcementGamalier Rivera, 33, of Allentown, PA pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for delivering contraband via drone to FCI McDowell federal prison in West Virginia. Case prosecuted federally but Pennsylvania's § 3505(a)(3) carries even stiffer state penalties: 5-10 years as second-degree felony, $25,000 fine. Sentenced July 2025 to 3 years probation and 2 months home detention.
Pending Legislation
SB 303In Committee — Game & FisheriesGame or Wildlife Recovery Permits
Would amend Title 34 (Game) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish a permit system for drone-assisted game and wildlife recovery, specifically authorizing drone recovery of downed or wounded deer. Would carve out legal exception to current blanket prohibition on drone use in hunting under § 2308. Includes permit requirements, restrictions, and penalties.
Last action: February 25, 2025
HB 1926In Committee — JudiciaryFurther Providing for Offense of Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Would amend Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft (§ 3505). Specific amendments not yet detailed in bill summary; likely addressing penalty enhancements, definitions, or scope expansions.
Last action: October 6, 2025
HB 2239In Committee — JudiciaryFurther Providing for Offense of Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Would amend Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft (§ 3505). Specific amendments not yet detailed in bill summary; likely addressing penalty enhancements, definitions, or scope expansions.
Last action: February 25, 2026
SB 468Laid on Table (Passed Senate 50-0; laid on table in House)Interstate Agreements for Research and Deployment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Would amend Title 74 (Transportation) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into interstate agreements for research and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems. Passed Pennsylvania Senate unanimously (50-0) on 2025-06-23 but was laid on table in House on 2026-02-03.
Last action: February 3, 2026
HR 13In Committee — Intergovernmental Affairs & OperationsResolution Urging Federal Response to Unidentified Drone Threats
Non-binding resolution urging the Federal Government to provide State and local governments with the authority to respond swiftly and decisively to unidentified drone threats. Response to December 2024 unidentified drone sightings in New Jersey/Pennsylvania region, which FAA concluded were mostly lawful manned aircraft and hobbyist drones.
Last action: January 17, 2025
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State University | Penn State requires all UAS operations within university property to be approved by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety or Office of Physical Plant before launch. Beaver Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the United States (106,000 capacity), is subject to a federal TFR that applies during football games (one hour before to one hour after events). Stadium TFR strictly enforced by FAA. Restrictions: All outdoor drone operations require prior EHS/OPP authorization and insurance. Beaver Stadium TFR strictly enforced during football games and events. No flights over campus buildings, medical facilities, or crowds. No operations near or over Beaver Stadium during athletic events. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) |
| University of Pittsburgh | University of Pittsburgh requires drone operators to obtain written approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety before conducting any UAS operations on campus or over university property. Acrisure Stadium, shared with the Pittsburgh Steelers (70,000 capacity), is subject to a federal TFR that applies during NFL and other major events (one hour before to one hour after). Restrictions: EHS approval and proof of liability insurance required for all operations. Acrisure Stadium TFR during NFL games and other major events. No flights over buildings, medical facilities, or crowds. All operations must comply with FAA Part 107 or TRUST requirements and LAANC authorization in Pittsburgh Class B airspace. | Yes | Office of Environmental Health & Safety |
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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