Rhode Island Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Rhode Island maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with state-level preemption of local drone laws under HB 7511 (2016) and targeted restrictions on drone operations in state parks. The state delegates primary regulatory authority to the FAA while prohibiting drone flights in state parks without special use permits, which are currently limited to professional film companies and news organizations. Local ordinances such as Narragansett's beach and event restrictions exist but their legal standing under state preemption remains subject to review.
State Drone Laws
HB 7511 (2016)Exclusive Regulatory Authority Over Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Grants exclusive regulatory authority over unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to the state of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, subject to federal law. Preempts local governments from enacting their own UAS laws and regulations. Codified as an amendment to Rhode Island General Laws Title 1 (Aeronautics).
Title 250, Chapter 40 — Park and Management Area Rules and RegulationsDrone Operations in Rhode Island State Parks
Prohibits the operation of drones within any Rhode Island state park without a special use permit issued by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Parks and Recreation Division. Special use permits are currently issued only to professional film companies and news organizations. Drone operations must not harass or disturb park users, wildlife, or natural resources.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of Narragansett
townUnmanned Aircraft Systems Municipal Ordinance
Prohibits UAS from being deployed, launched, or flown in specified airspaces and over designated areas within the Town of Narragansett. Note: This ordinance may be subject to challenge under the state preemption statute (HB 7511), which grants exclusive UAS regulatory authority to the state and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.
Restrictions
No UAS deployment, launch, or flight within 500 feet of or over Town Beach during beach season; over large venue special events; over public parks, roads, and public facilities during large venue special events.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
No state-specific penalty information on record.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Rhode Island does not impose state-specific drone registration requirements. All drone operators must comply with federal FAA requirements: recreational operators must register drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) with the FAA for $5; commercial operators must obtain Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.
Special use permits are required for drone flights within Rhode Island state parks, currently available only to professional film companies and news organizations through the DEM Parks and Recreation Division.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone operators in Rhode Island must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations.
All commercial drone pilots operating in Rhode Island must pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. Operations must comply with altitude (400 ft AGL default), controlled airspace authorization, and visual line-of-sight requirements.
Recreational UAS Operations
Recreational drone operators must comply with FAA recreational model aircraft rules under 49 U.S.C. § 44809.
Recreational operators must complete the FAA's Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and register drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) with the FAA for $5. Operations must comply with federal altitude, airspace, and visual line-of-sight requirements.
Remote ID Compliance
Federal Remote ID requirements under 14 CFR Part 89 apply to all UAS operations in Rhode Island.
As of September 16, 2023, drone operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements, either through built-in broadcast capability or an FAA-approved Remote ID broadcast module. Non-compliant operators may face suspension or revocation of operating privileges and civil penalties.
Government and Law Enforcement Operations
Government entities operating drones in Rhode Island may operate under Part 107 or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA).
Rhode Island State Police, municipal law enforcement, fire departments, and other public agencies may apply for COAs for specialized operations not permitted under standard Part 107 rules, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) or operations over people.
State Preemption vs. FAA Jurisdiction
Rhode Island's preemption statute (HB 7511) reserves UAS regulatory authority to the state and Rhode Island Airport Corporation, but federal FAA jurisdiction over airspace navigation is supreme under 49 U.S.C. § 40103.
Rhode Island's preemption law functions primarily to prevent local municipal ordinances from fragmenting UAS regulation within the state. It does not purport to override federal FAA authority. The Rhode Island Airport Corporation's role in UAS oversight is complementary to, not conflicting with, federal airspace management.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available in Rhode Island through the FAA's national LAANC system for controlled airspace operations near T.F. Green Airport (PVD) and other controlled airspace.
Major Airports
PVD — T.F. Green International Airport (Warwick/Providence)WST — Westerly State AirportSFZ — North Central State Airport (Smithfield)OQU — Quonset State Airport (North Kingstown)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may be established around major events, government facilities, and presidential movements. Newport and Block Island may have seasonal TFR activity. Always check FAA TFR listings before flying.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
HB 5420Introduced (2023 Session) — No enacted outcome confirmed; presumed carried over or expiredAN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS -- UNPILOTED AERIAL VEHICLES
Would provide for the regulation of unpiloted aircraft systems in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. Scope and final disposition require verification against 2024–2026 legislative records.
Last action: June 21, 2023
SB 816Introduced (2023 Session) — No enacted outcome confirmed; presumed carried over or expiredAN ACT RELATING TO AERONAUTICS -- UNPILOTED AERIAL VEHICLES
Would provide for the regulation of unpiloted aircraft systems in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. Companion bill to HB 5420. Final disposition requires verification against 2024–2026 legislative records.
Last action: June 21, 2023
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. The dense urban Providence location adds additional FAA airspace constraints near T.F. Green Airport Class C airspace. Restrictions: No unauthorized flights on campus. All operations require advance approval from Public Safety and EHS. Operators must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. | Yes | Department of Public Safety / Environmental Health & Safety |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) | URI requires advance authorization for all drone operations on university property. Operators must comply with FAA regulations and university safety protocols. URI's Kingston campus is located in uncontrolled airspace but university approval is still required. Restrictions: Prior written approval required for all drone operations on URI property. Must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules. Research and academic drone use may be subject to additional review. | Yes | URI Environmental Health & Safety |
| Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) | RISD's campus is located in downtown Providence within proximity to Class C airspace associated with T.F. Green Airport. Drone operations on campus require prior approval and compliance with FAA airspace authorizations. Restrictions: Campus location in Providence requires FAA LAANC authorization or waiver for controlled airspace. All flights require advance institutional approval. | Yes | RISD Campus Safety |
| Providence College | Providence College requires authorization for drone operations on campus consistent with FAA regulations. The Providence campus location may require airspace authorization under LAANC. Restrictions: All drone operations on campus require prior approval. Must comply with applicable FAA rules and airspace requirements. | Yes | Providence College Security / Facilities |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.1). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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