Rhode Island Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Rhode Island maintains a permissive approach to drone operations with strong state preemption preventing local ordinance conflicts. The primary state-level restriction is a comprehensive ban on drones in state parks and management areas without special use permits (currently limited to professional media). The state relies on its general video voyeurism statute (R.I. Gen. Laws 11-64-2) rather than drone-specific privacy legislation.
State Drone Laws
R.I. Gen. Laws Title 1, Chapter 2 (HB 7511)State Preemption of Drone Regulation
Establishes that the Rhode Island State and Airport Corporation (RIAC) have exclusive legal authority to regulate unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Preempts all local governments from crafting their own drone laws or ordinances.
R.I. Gen. Laws 11-64-2Video Voyeurism
Prohibits using any device (including drones) to record or observe a person in a state of undress or in a private place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Rhode Island's primary enforcement mechanism for drone-based privacy violations.
R.I. Title 250, Section 1.9(C) - Park & Management Area Rules and RegulationsProhibition of Drone Operations in State Parks and Management Areas
Prohibits all unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations in Rhode Island state parks and management areas without a Special Use Permit issued by park facility managers. Special use permits are currently issued only to professional media and news organizations. Includes prohibition on any UAS operation that disturbs or harasses other persons, wildlife, or natural resources.
Department of Environmental Management Parks and Reservations RulesUAS Use Restrictions on Public Reservations
UAS use is allowed on public reservations only upon receipt of official written permission from park managers. UAS may not be used in any manner that harasses or disturbs users, wildlife, or other natural resources.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of Narragansett
townNarragansett Town Council UAS Ordinance
Local ordinance restricting drone operations in specific areas during beach season and special events.
Restrictions
Prohibits launching or flying drones: (1) within 500 feet or over Town Beach during beach season; (2) over large venue special events anywhere in town; (3) over public parks, roads, and public facilities during large venue events. NOTE: Enforceability is legally questionable under state preemption law (HB 7511), but ordinance remains on the books.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video voyeurism using drone (R.I. Gen. Laws 11-64-2) | Felony | Up to $5,000 | Up to 3 years | Rhode Island State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Rhode Island's primary enforcement tool for drone privacy violations. First major prosecution in Cranston (June 2023). |
| Operating drone in state parks/management areas without permit (Title 250) | Misdemeanor | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | Department of Environmental Management | Permits limited to professional media/film companies. Recreational pilots cannot obtain permits. |
| Disturbing or harassing wildlife with drone in state parks | Violation | Up to $500 | Up to 6 months | Department of Environmental Management | Applies to all state parks and management areas |
Video voyeurism using drone (R.I. Gen. Laws 11-64-2)
Rhode Island's primary enforcement tool for drone privacy violations. First major prosecution in Cranston (June 2023).
Operating drone in state parks/management areas without permit (Title 250)
Permits limited to professional media/film companies. Recreational pilots cannot obtain permits.
Disturbing or harassing wildlife with drone in state parks
Applies to all state parks and management areas
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Rhode Island does not require state-level drone registration. All drones over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years).
General recreational and commercial operations outside state parks do not require state permits. State parks require Special Use Permits (currently limited to professional media/film). LAANC authorization may be required for controlled airspace around T.F. Green Airport.
Not required by Rhode Island law, though recommended for commercial operations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 - Commercial Remote Pilot Certificate
Required for all commercial drone operations
Rhode Island does not add state-level commercial licensing beyond federal Part 107. Certificate test costs $175, valid for 24 months. PSI testing centers available in Warwick and Providence, with additional locations in southeastern Massachusetts.
Recreational Flying - TRUST Test
Recreational UAS Safety Test required for all recreational flyers
All recreational drone pilots must pass the free, online TRUST test administered by FAA-approved providers before flying. Test completion certificate must be carried when flying.
Remote ID Requirement
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information
Remote ID requirement enforced since March 2024. All drones subject to FAA registration must comply. Rhode Island has no state-level exceptions.
Airspace Authorization - LAANC
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability for controlled airspace
Required for flights in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace. Available through multiple FAA-approved service providers including DJI Fly, Aloft, and AirHub. T.F. Green Airport (KPVD) Class C airspace covers much of the populated areas of Rhode Island.
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight Requirements
400 feet AGL maximum altitude; visual line of sight required
Federal limits apply throughout Rhode Island. No state-level exceptions or additional restrictions beyond FAA Part 107 and recreational flying rules.
Night Flying
Permitted with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
Both recreational and Part 107 commercial pilots may operate at night if equipped with appropriate anti-collision lights. No additional Rhode Island restrictions.
FAA Waivers and Special Authorizations
Exemptions available for operations outside standard rules
Pilots requiring deviations from standard rules (extended VLOS, operations over people, etc.) must obtain FAA waivers. Rhode Island has no separate state-level waiver process.
National Wildlife Refuges and Protected Areas
Drone restrictions apply to federal wildlife refuges
No launching or landing on NWR property (50 CFR 27.34). Affected refuges include Sachuest Point, Ninigret, and Trustom Pond.
National Parks and NPS Areas
Standard NPS drone ban applies
Roger Williams National Memorial and other NPS areas prohibit drones under 36 CFR 1.5.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Rhode Island 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 authorization required and available for controlled airspace. T.F. Green Airport (KPVD) Class C airspace extends over much of Providence, Warwick, and Cranston metropolitan areas. Approval typically automatic and near-instant for altitudes between 0-200 feet in most grid squares.
Major Airports
KPVD — T.F. Green Airport (Warwick)Rhode Island operates six airports under RIAC oversight
TFR Notice
No permanent TFRs specific to Rhode Island. Temporary flight restrictions may be issued for special events or large gatherings.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
First Publicized Rhode Island Drone Voyeurism Prosecution
enforcementChristopher Jones of Cranston was arrested and charged with felony video voyeurism under R.I. Gen. Laws 11-64-2 after using a drone to spy on a female neighbor through her bathroom window at night. Investigators recovered drone footage showing multiple recorded incidents. Jones, a previously convicted sex offender, was released on $15,000 bail and arraigned in Kent County Court. This case marked Rhode Island's first widely publicized drone voyeurism prosecution and demonstrated the state's use of general video voyeurism statute for drone privacy enforcement.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown University | Brown University prohibits unauthorized drone operations on campus. All flights require prior approval from the Department of Public Safety and Environmental Health & Safety. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights. Dense urban Providence location with proximity to T.F. Green Airport Class C airspace adds significant constraints. All commercial, research, and recreational drone operations on campus require pre-approval. | Yes | Department of Public Safety and 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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