Pennsylvania Drone Laws (2026): State Rules, Local Ordinances & FAA
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Pennsylvania maintains a mixed regulatory posture toward drone operations, combining permissive registration and licensing rules with restrictive venue-specific access policies. The state enacted Act 78 of 2018 (18 Pa.C.S. § 3505) establishing targeted privacy and surveillance prohibitions with modest penalties. However, Pennsylvania enforces one of the nation's strictest state park access policies, restricting recreational drones to only 6 of 121 state parks, and maintains a complete ban on drone use in state game lands and for hunting purposes. Two-party consent wiretap laws also create significant liability for audio-enabled drones.
State Drone Laws
18 Pa.C.S. § 3505Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits using drones to: (1) intentionally or knowingly conduct surveillance of another person in a private place; (2) operate in a manner placing another in reasonable fear of bodily injury; or (3) deliver, provide, transmit, or furnish contraband to an inmate or detainee. Private place defined as any location where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Exceptions carved out for law enforcement, corrections personnel, firefighters, emergency medical responders, utility employees, government employees, and aerial data collection with FAA compliance.
53 Pa.C.S. § 305Local Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Prohibited
Establishes statewide preemption prohibiting counties, cities, boroughs, townships, and municipalities from regulating drone ownership or operation. Effective October 12, 2018. Carve-outs permit Commonwealth agencies (DCNR, Game Commission, Turnpike) to regulate drone use on their own property, and municipalities may regulate takeoff and landing as a property-use matter on city-owned land.
17 Pa. Code § 11.215Unmanned Aircraft Restrictions in State Parks and Game Lands
DCNR regulation prohibiting drone launches, landings, and operation within Pennsylvania state parks, game lands, and designated natural areas unless specifically authorized. Recreational drones permitted only at six designated flying sites within state parks: Beltzville State Park, Benjamin Rush State Park (Philadelphia), Hillman State Park (Washington County), Lackawanna State Park, Prompton State Park, and Tuscarora State Park. All other 115 state parks prohibit recreational drone operations. Commercial operations require DCNR special activities agreement (30 days lead time required, Part 107 and insurance mandated).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2308Unlawful Devices and Methods for Hunting and Furtaking; Drone Use Prohibition
Prohibits using drones to locate, drive, harass, take, or hunt any game or wildlife. Implementing regulations at 58 Pa. Code Chapter 141. Game Commission interpretation extends ban to drone-assisted recovery of wounded or downed deer, treating recovery as part of the hunting act. Actively enforced; December 2023 sting operation in Lancaster County cited a commercial pilot attempting drone deer recovery with fines up to $2,500 and potential hunting license suspension. SB 303 (pending, 2025-2026 session) would carve out a recovery permit exception but has not been enacted.
18 Pa.C.S. § 5703Wiretap Act; Two-Party Consent for Audio Recording
Pennsylvania two-party consent wiretap statute prohibiting recording of any oral communication without consent of all parties. Applies to drone audio recording. A drone with microphone enabled that captures backyard conversation without consent of all participants violates this statute. Applies even if drone is recording video lawfully; audio recording without consent is separate violation.
18 Pa.C.S. § 7507.1Invasion of Privacy; Peeping Tom Law
Pennsylvania's invasion of privacy statute (peeping tom law) prohibits conduct intended to arouse or gratify sexual desire while invading another's privacy. Applies to drone surveillance and applies when a drone is used to observe persons in private places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or changing rooms. Often applied to drone flights over private property with intent to observe.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Philadelphia
cityPhiladelphia Code § 10-620 (Legacy); Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Drone Permit Requirement
Philadelphia Code § 10-620 (2017) is widely considered preempted by Act 78 in its direct drone-operation provisions and is not currently enforced as a drone-operation rule. However, the city still regulates use of city-owned property including Fairmount Park, Rittenhouse Square, and city recreation centers. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation requires permits for commercial filming and treats drone launches as use of park property.
Restrictions
Takeoff and landing from city-owned property requires permit from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Fairmount Park generally prohibits recreational drone flight; Benjamin Rush State Park is the designated alternative for recreational flyers. Class B airspace; LAANC authorization required.
Pittsburgh
cityPittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Allegheny County Parks Permit Requirements
Pittsburgh regional parks (Schenley, Frick, Riverview, Highland) require written permission from Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for recreational drone flight. Allegheny County Parks (North Park, South Park, and seven others) require drone permits through Special Use permit process.
Restrictions
Prior written permission required for flight in Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy parks and Allegheny County Parks. Class B airspace; LAANC required.
State College
cityState College Parks Drone Permit
State College has ground-use permit requirements for drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, which survive preemption as property-use regulations rather than airspace regulation.
Restrictions
Permits required for takeoff and landing on city property.
Harrisburg
cityHarrisburg Parks Drone Permit
Harrisburg has ground-use permit requirements for drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, which survive preemption as property-use regulations rather than airspace regulation.
Restrictions
Permits required for takeoff and landing on city property.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surveillance of person in private place (§ 3505(a)(1)) | Summary Offense | Up to $300 | Up to 90 days | Pennsylvania State Police, local law enforcement, county District Attorney | Narrow surveillance violation requiring private place expectation. Broader privacy invasions prosecuted under § 7507.1 (invasion of privacy) instead. |
| Operating drone to cause reasonable fear of bodily injury (§ 3505(a)(2)) | Summary Offense | Up to $300 | Up to 90 days | Pennsylvania State Police, local law enforcement, county District Attorney | Covers buzzing crowds, chasing joggers, hovering at eye level to menace. |
| Delivering contraband to correctional facility by drone (§ 3505(a)(3)) | Felony of the Second Degree | Up to $25,000 | 5–10 years | Pennsylvania State Police, Department of Corrections, county District Attorney, federal law enforcement | Applies to contraband delivery to state prisons, local jails, federal prisons. December 2023 sting operation in Lancaster County and 2024-2025 prosecution of Gamalier Rivera (Allentown) for delivery to FCI McDowell (federal, but parallel state charges possible). Highest penalty in PA drone law. |
| Recording audio without all-party consent (§ 5703) | Felony of the Third Degree | Up to $15,000 | Up to 7 years | State Police, local law enforcement, county District Attorney | Two-party consent state. Drone microphone capturing backyard conversation without consent of all parties is third-degree felony, distinct from § 3505 violations. No recorded prosecutions yet, but legal risk is real. |
| Invasion of privacy / Peeping Tom conduct via drone (§ 7507.1) | Third-Degree Misdemeanor (first offense); Second-Degree Misdemeanor (repeat) | $2,500 (M3); $5,000 (M2) | 1 year (M3); 2 years (M2) | Local law enforcement, State Police, county District Attorney | Applies when drone used to observe in private places with sexual gratification intent or with intent to invade privacy. Separate charge available when § 3505(a)(1) is too narrow. |
| Using drone for hunting or wildlife location (§ 2308) | Summary Offense | $100–$2,500 | Up to 90 days | Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers, local law enforcement | Covers locating, driving, harassing, or taking wildlife. Includes recovery of wounded/downed deer. December 2023 Lancaster County sting operation cited commercial pilot. Violators also face hunting license suspension. |
| Drone flight in state parks without authorization (17 Pa. Code § 11.215) | Summary Offense | Varies | Varies | DCNR park rangers, Pennsylvania Park Police | Applies to all 115 state parks outside the six designated flying sites. Recreational flights prohibited absent special activities agreement. |
| Drone operation on Pennsylvania Turnpike property without written permission | Summary Offense | Varies | Varies | Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, State Police | Launching, landing, or operating from Turnpike property, service plazas, or shoulders requires written permission. Overflight of moving traffic already prohibited by federal Part 107. |
Surveillance of person in private place (§ 3505(a)(1))
Narrow surveillance violation requiring private place expectation. Broader privacy invasions prosecuted under § 7507.1 (invasion of privacy) instead.
Operating drone to cause reasonable fear of bodily injury (§ 3505(a)(2))
Covers buzzing crowds, chasing joggers, hovering at eye level to menace.
Delivering contraband to correctional facility by drone (§ 3505(a)(3))
Applies to contraband delivery to state prisons, local jails, federal prisons. December 2023 sting operation in Lancaster County and 2024-2025 prosecution of Gamalier Rivera (Allentown) for delivery to FCI McDowell (federal, but parallel state charges possible). Highest penalty in PA drone law.
Recording audio without all-party consent (§ 5703)
Two-party consent state. Drone microphone capturing backyard conversation without consent of all parties is third-degree felony, distinct from § 3505 violations. No recorded prosecutions yet, but legal risk is real.
Invasion of privacy / Peeping Tom conduct via drone (§ 7507.1)
Applies when drone used to observe in private places with sexual gratification intent or with intent to invade privacy. Separate charge available when § 3505(a)(1) is too narrow.
Using drone for hunting or wildlife location (§ 2308)
Covers locating, driving, harassing, or taking wildlife. Includes recovery of wounded/downed deer. December 2023 Lancaster County sting operation cited commercial pilot. Violators also face hunting license suspension.
Drone flight in state parks without authorization (17 Pa. Code § 11.215)
Applies to all 115 state parks outside the six designated flying sites. Recreational flights prohibited absent special activities agreement.
Drone operation on Pennsylvania Turnpike property without written permission
Launching, landing, or operating from Turnpike property, service plazas, or shoulders requires written permission. Overflight of moving traffic already prohibited by federal Part 107.
Registration, Fees & Taxes
Pennsylvania imposes state-level registration, licensing, insurance, or fee requirements
Commercial operators: budget for the state fees below before operating here. Federal FAA registration is still required separately.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
- Other Fees
- DCNR Special Activities Agreement (Commercial State Park Operations) — VariesRequired for commercial drone filming, research, or inspection in state parks. 30-day lead time required. Part 107 certification and insurance required. Fee varies by project scope.
Pennsylvania does not require state-level drone registration beyond the federal FAA registration ($5 per drone, valid 3 years, for drones over 250g). Drones under 250g used recreationally are exempt from FAA registration but must still comply with all Pennsylvania state laws, including § 3505 privacy restrictions and state park access rules. No state-specific commercial drone operator license exists; commercial operators must comply with federal FAA Part 107. No state-level pilot licensing or certification beyond federal requirements.
No statewide drone permit required. Local permits required only for takeoff/landing on city-owned property in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College, and Harrisburg. DCNR special activities agreement required for commercial operations in state parks (30-day lead time, Part 107 and insurance mandatory).
Insurance not mandated by Pennsylvania state law. However, most commercial clients require $1 million in drone liability coverage as a contractual requirement, and DCNR special activities agreements for state park use require proof of insurance.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
Remote ID Mandate for All Outdoor Drone Operations
Since March 16, 2024, all registered drones (over 250g) flown outdoors must broadcast Remote ID information including location, altitude, and operator details. Exception: flights inside FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). Pennsylvania pilots operating commercially or recreationally must comply with federal Remote ID requirement. Remote ID allows FAA and law enforcement to distinguish lawful drone flights from unlicensed operations, especially important for enforcement of PA § 3505 contraband delivery violations around correctional facilities.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate Required for All Commercial Drone Work
Commercial drone operators in Pennsylvania must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 test fee, 24-month validity). No separate Pennsylvania state licensing required. Major industries hiring Part 107 pilots in PA: Marcellus Shale midstream/pipeline operations, freight-rail corridor work, utility transmission inspection, Pittsburgh-area robotics and AEC firms, and public safety. Part 107 requirements supersede § 3505(a)(1) surveillance provision when aerial data collection complies with FAA regulations.
Recreational Flying and TRUST Certificate
Free FAA TRUST Test Required for All Recreational Operations
Recreational drone pilots in Pennsylvania must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), a free, online, one-time test administered by FAA-approved test administrators. TRUST certificate must be carried when flying. Drones over 250g also require FAA registration ($5 for 3 years). Pennsylvania § 3505 applies equally to recreational and commercial operators; TRUST certificate does not exempt pilots from state privacy or venue restrictions.
Stadium TFRs and Part 99 Restrictions
Federal Temporary Flight Restrictions Around Major Sporting Events
14 CFR § 99.7 establishes 3-mile radius TFRs around stadiums seating 30,000+ during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and motor sports events. Pennsylvania venues affected: Beaver Stadium (Penn State, 106,000 capacity), Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers, 68,000 capacity), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles, 69,000 capacity), and Veterans Stadium (Philadelphia area, 62,000 capacity). TFRs active one hour before through one hour after events. No drone operations permitted in TFRs without specific FAA waiver.
LAANC and Controlled Airspace Authorization
LAANC Required for Class B, C, D Airspace Operations
Pennsylvania has controlled airspace around Philadelphia International (Class B), Pittsburgh International (Class B), Harrisburg (Class C), Allentown (Class C), and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton airports. Part 107 and recreational pilots must obtain LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace. Near-real-time authorization available through multiple FAA-approved service suppliers. Manual 'further coordination' process available for flights above standard LAANC altitude ceilings (Part 107 only, 90-day lead time).
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) available at major Pennsylvania airports. Part 107 and recreational pilots can request near-real-time authorization for Class B, C, and D airspace. Multiple FAA-approved UAS Service Suppliers operate in Pennsylvania including Aloft, DJI Fly, AirHub, AutoPylot, Avision, and UASidekick.
Major Airports
PHL — Philadelphia International Airport (Class B)PIT — Pittsburgh International Airport (Class B)MDT — Harrisburg International Airport (Class C)ABE — Lehigh Valley International Airport (Class C)AVP — Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) active around major sporting events. Beaver Stadium (Penn State, capacity 106,000+) TFR during football games. Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers, capacity 68,000+) TFR during NFL games. Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles, capacity 69,000+) and Veterans Stadium TFR during MLB (Phillies) games. Federal TFRs under 14 CFR § 99.7 cover 3-mile radius around stadiums seating 30,000+ during MLB, NFL, NCAA Division I football, and motor sports events, one hour before through one hour after events. Check B4UFLY before every flight for active TFRs.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Gamalier Rivera Sentencing for Contraband Delivery to Federal Prison
enforcementGamalier Rivera, 33, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for delivering contraband via drone to FCI McDowell, a federal correctional facility in West Virginia. Sentenced in July 2025 to 3 years probation and 2 months home detention. Case prosecuted federally but demonstrates enforcement of PA § 3505(a)(3) contraband delivery prohibitions.
Pennsylvania Game Commission Sting Operation in Lancaster County
enforcementPA Game Commission ran enforcement sting operation in Lancaster County targeting commercial drone pilot operating illegal drone deer-recovery business on game lands. Pilot received 4 citations including unlawful devices charges and disturbance of wildlife. Resulted in enforcement under 34 Pa.C.S. § 2308 and 58 Pa. Code § 141. Incident prompted Senator Devlin Robinson to introduce SB 303 (2025-2026 session) to legalize drone-assisted deer recovery with permit system; bill has not yet passed.
Pending Legislation
SB 303Introduced; Referred to Game & Fisheries CommitteeIn preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for restrictions on recreational spotlighting; in special licenses and permits, providing for game or wildlife recovery permits; and imposing penalties
Proposed amendment to Title 34 (Game) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes that would create a game/wildlife recovery permit system, carving out a legal exception to the current blanket prohibition on drone use under 34 Pa.C.S. § 2308. Would allow drone-assisted recovery of wounded or downed deer on game lands with permit. Currently, all drone use for hunting-related purposes is prohibited under § 2308. Prompted by December 2023 Game Commission sting operation in Lancaster County that cited a commercial drone deer-recovery pilot. If passed, would make Pennsylvania similar to Michigan on this issue.
Last action: February 25, 2025
SB 468Passed Pennsylvania Senate 50–0 (June 23, 2025); Subsequently Laid on Table in House (February 3, 2026)Providing for interstate agreements for research and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems
Proposed amendment to Title 74 (Transportation) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes authorizing the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to enter into interstate agreements for research and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems. Would facilitate collaborative UAS research between Pennsylvania and neighboring states. Passed Senate unanimously but stalled in House Transportation Committee in February 2026.
Last action: February 3, 2026
HB 1926Introduced; Referred to Judiciary CommitteeIn burglary and other criminal intrusion, further providing for the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft
Proposed amendment to Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes that would further amend 18 Pa.C.S. § 3505 (Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft). Specific provisions of amendment not detailed in available bill text. Currently at Judiciary Committee stage.
Last action: October 6, 2025
HB 2239Introduced; Referred to Judiciary CommitteeIn burglary and other criminal intrusion, further providing for the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft
Proposed amendment to Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes that would further amend 18 Pa.C.S. § 3505 (Unlawful Use of Unmanned Aircraft). Specific provisions of amendment not detailed in available bill text. Similar to HB 1926; unclear whether both bills pursue identical or different changes to § 3505. Currently at Judiciary Committee stage.
Last action: February 25, 2026
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State University | Penn State requires all UAS (unmanned aircraft system) operations on university property to obtain prior approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety and the Office of Physical Plant. Some locations also require additional institutional authorizations. All drones flown outdoors within university grounds must be registered with the FAA and operations must be covered by liability insurance. Beaver Stadium (capacity 106,000+) has a federal Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) during football games that extends one hour before through one hour after events. Restrictions: Prior EHS/Physical Plant approval required for all flights. Beaver Stadium TFR strictly enforced during athletic events. No flights over buildings, crowds, parking areas, or medical facilities. Insurance required. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety / Office of Physical Plant |
| University of Pittsburgh | University of Pittsburgh requires drone operators to obtain prior approval from the Office of Environmental Health & Safety before flying on campus. Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh Steelers shared facility, capacity 68,000) has a federal Temporary Flight Restriction during events. EHS approval process requires submission of flight plan, insurance documentation, and operational details. Restrictions: EHS approval required in advance. Stadium TFR during athletic events and Steelers games. Insurance required. | 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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