Wisconsin Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Wisconsin maintains a permissive regulatory environment for drone operations while imposing specific criminal and civil penalties for privacy violations, weaponized drones, and operations near critical infrastructure. The state was an early adopter of comprehensive drone legislation (2013), establishing law-enforcement warrant requirements and privacy protections. Recent amendments (2025-2026) added restrictions for school properties and utility facilities, creating a well-defined but targeted regulatory framework.
State Drone Laws
Wis. Stat. § 114.045(1)(a)Operating a Drone Over a Correctional Institution
Prohibits operating a drone over a correctional institution or its grounds without express authorization. Authorization must be obtained from the Secretary of Corrections for state facilities or the county sheriff for county jails. Investigating officers may seize all photographs, video, and data recorded by the drone.
Wis. Stat. § 114.045 (2025 Wisconsin Act 189)Operating a Drone Over School Property
Prohibits operating a drone over property owned by or on which a school is located while the school is open to pupils for instruction or being used for a school-approved event. Exceptions include express permission from the school board or governing body, law enforcement operations for search and rescue or warrant execution, or law enforcement response to imminent danger to a person or destruction of evidence.
Wis. Stat. § 114.045(1)(b) (2025 Wisconsin Act 194)Operating a Drone Near Utility Facilities
Prohibits operating a drone below 300 feet over or within 500 feet of a parcel containing a gas or electric power plant, generating station, electric substation, natural gas gate or storage facility, water reclamation facility, public water system facility, telecommunications carrier plant, internet/cable/video service provider facility, or petroleum refinery. Exceptions include flights directed by the facility owner for monitoring, inspection, operation, or maintenance, and commercial flights conducted in compliance with FAA regulations or authorizations.
Wis. Stat. § 941.292Operating a Weaponized Drone
Prohibits possessing or operating a weaponized drone. The statute does not require that a weapon be fired or used; merely operating an aircraft with a weapon attached constitutes the offense. Only exemption is for U.S. armed forces or National Guard members acting in official capacity.
Wis. Stat. § 942.10Unlawful Drone Surveillance and Privacy Invasion
Prohibits using a drone with intent to photograph, record, or otherwise observe another person in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The key element is intent to invade privacy; accidental capture in photographs or video is not a violation. Law enforcement authorized to use drones under § 175.55 are exempted.
Wis. Stat. § 175.55Law Enforcement Use of Drones — Search Warrant Requirement
Requires Wisconsin law enforcement to obtain a search warrant before using a drone to gather evidence in locations where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Exceptions include exigent circumstances, search and rescue, locating escaped prisoners, executing arrest warrants, and preventing imminent danger or destruction of evidence. Evidence obtained in violation of this statute is inadmissible in court.
Wis. Stat. § 29.083Interference with Hunting, Fishing, or Trapping — Drone Use Prohibited
Prohibits using a drone to interfere with, harass, or impede lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping activities. Specifically covers drone interference, harassment of wildlife, disturbance of hunting blinds, bait, or personal property. Also prohibits drone use to locate, scout, or drive game animals for hunting purposes.
Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.04(1)(c)Prohibition of Drones in State Parks and Recreation Areas
Prohibits operating drones (takeoff, landing, or flight) in Wisconsin state parks, state recreation areas, state natural areas, the Kettle Moraine and Point Beach state forests, and the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, except where specifically posted for use. Exception: Richard Bong State Recreation Area has a designated Special Use Zone where model aircraft are permitted with advance approval (contact park at least one week prior).
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of Greenfield
townshipDrone Operation Restrictions
Comprehensive restrictions on drone operations in the Town of Greenfield
Restrictions
No launch/landing outside visual line of sight; no landing within 100 feet of any person other than operator/assistant; no flight within 500 feet of festivals, events, picnics, protests, or public assemblies exceeding 100 people; no operation endangering safety of persons or property; no flight within 500 feet of emergency vehicles with emergency lights/sirens or active emergency response incidents; no operation over schools in session or jails
City of Hudson
cityUnlawful Drone Use Ordinance
Local privacy protection ordinance for drone use
Restrictions
Prohibits use of drones to invade personal space, including observing, photographing, or recording people in places with reasonable expectation of privacy (backyards, residences, private spaces). Fine of up to $200 for violations.
City of Chetek
cityHeight Limitations Near Chetek Municipal Airport
Altitude restrictions for drone operations near airport
Restrictions
Drones must comply with height limitations on zoning map around Chetek Municipal Airport (FAA LID: Y23)
Outagamie County
countyDrone Operations Restriction on Airport Property
Prohibition of unauthorized drone operations on county airport grounds
Restrictions
Drones may not be operated on airport grounds without advanced written authorization from the airport director
City of Green Bay
cityDrone Operations at Special Events
Altitude restriction during designated special events
Restrictions
Cannot fly below 400 feet within designated boundaries of special city events during scheduled times. Includes Green Bay Packers games at Lambeau Field and other major events.
Waukesha County Parks
countyDrone Permit Requirement
Free annual permit system for drone use in county parks
Restrictions
Permit required to fly a drone in any Waukesha County Park. Free annual permit valid for one year from purchase date. Application done online.
Milwaukee County Parks
countyDrone Approval Requirement
Special Events Office approval required for drone use in county parks
Restrictions
Drone use in Milwaukee County Parks must be approved through the Special Events Office. Pilot must comply with all federal, state, and local licensing requirements and show documentation on request.
City of Madison
cityDrone Use Policy — Ordinance MGO 25.18
Permissive-by-default drone policy in city parks
Restrictions
Drones are allowed in Madison city parks unless specifically posted otherwise, provided operator complies with FAA licensing and rules. Permissive default with posted exceptions rather than permit-based system.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating a drone over correctional institution grounds | Forfeiture | Up to $5,000 | None | Local police, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, county sheriffs | Drone footage and data must be seized and transferred to Department of Corrections |
| Operating a drone over school property during instruction or school-approved events | Forfeiture | Up to $5,000 | None | Local police, school district security | School board or governing body approval required; limited exceptions for law enforcement search/rescue and imminent danger |
| Operating a drone below 300 feet over or within 500 feet of utility facilities | Forfeiture | Up to $5,000 | None | Local police, state agencies | Exceptions for facility owner-directed operations and FAA-compliant commercial flights |
| Operating a weaponized drone | Class H Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 6 years | State police, local law enforcement | Possession of weaponized drone alone is sufficient for felony charge; weapon does not need to be fired or deployed |
| Drone surveillance with intent to invade privacy | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $10,000 | Up to 9 months | Local police, state police | Requires intent to invade privacy; accidental capture in photos/video is not a violation. Civil liability possible for damages. |
| Unlawful use of drone to interfere with hunting/fishing/trapping | Civil violation | Civil damages | None | Wisconsin DNR wardens, private civil action | Punitive damages available; applies during hunting/fishing season and year-round for interference |
| Operating drone on DNR-managed land without authorization | DNR Forfeiture | Varies | None | Wisconsin DNR | Applies to state parks, recreation areas, natural areas, Kettle Moraine and Point Beach forests except posted zones |
| Flying below 400 feet at Green Bay special events | Municipal violation | Municipal forfeiture | None | Green Bay Police Department | Applies during scheduled special events including Packers games at Lambeau Field |
Operating a drone over correctional institution grounds
Drone footage and data must be seized and transferred to Department of Corrections
Operating a drone over school property during instruction or school-approved events
School board or governing body approval required; limited exceptions for law enforcement search/rescue and imminent danger
Operating a drone below 300 feet over or within 500 feet of utility facilities
Exceptions for facility owner-directed operations and FAA-compliant commercial flights
Operating a weaponized drone
Possession of weaponized drone alone is sufficient for felony charge; weapon does not need to be fired or deployed
Drone surveillance with intent to invade privacy
Requires intent to invade privacy; accidental capture in photos/video is not a violation. Civil liability possible for damages.
Unlawful use of drone to interfere with hunting/fishing/trapping
Punitive damages available; applies during hunting/fishing season and year-round for interference
Operating drone on DNR-managed land without authorization
Applies to state parks, recreation areas, natural areas, Kettle Moraine and Point Beach forests except posted zones
Flying below 400 feet at Green Bay special events
Applies during scheduled special events including Packers games at Lambeau Field
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Wisconsin does not require state-level drone registration beyond FAA federal registration. All drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA ($5 for 3 years). Registration number must be visible on the aircraft.
No statewide permit system. Some local jurisdictions (Waukesha County, Milwaukee County) require permits for park use. DNR permits required for state park flights. Waukesha County offers free annual permits.
Wisconsin does not mandate drone insurance. Commercial operators typically carry $1 million general liability coverage to meet client and market requirements.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Compliance
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information
Mandatory since March 16, 2024. Drones must have Standard Remote ID built in, a broadcast module, or operate inside a FRIA (FAA Recognized Identification Area). Wisconsin requires full compliance with all federal Remote ID rules.
Part 107 Commercial Operations
Commercial drone pilots must obtain FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
Wisconsin does not add state-level commercial licensing requirements. Part 107 certificate ($175 test fee) is the only commercial certification required. Wisconsin has PSI testing centers in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, and Eau Claire.
LAANC Authorization
LAANC authorization required for controlled airspace operations
Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace requires LAANC authorization before flight. Available through FAA-approved UAS service suppliers including DJI Fly, Aloft, and B4UFLY. Authorization typically granted in seconds with built-in altitude ceilings.
Altitude Restrictions
400 feet AGL maximum for most recreational and commercial flights
FAA standard 400-foot altitude cap applies statewide. Exception: Wisconsin's utility facility statute (§ 114.045(1)(b)) imposes stricter limits near critical infrastructure—flights must remain below 300 feet or maintain 500-foot horizontal clearance.
Visual Line of Sight Requirement
VLOS required for all recreational and Part 107 flights
Pilot must maintain visual line of sight or use a trained visual observer positioned next to the pilot with direct communication. No extended BVLOS operations allowed except under specific FAA waiver (Part 108 still proposed as of 2026).
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Wis. Stat. § 114.045 (as amended by 2025 Wisconsin Act 194) — Limitation on the operation of drones — operation over certain utility facilities
Penalty: Forfeiture penalty under 2025 Wisconsin Act 194
FAA authorization carve-out: Yes
Covered categories
Statute prohibits operation under 300 ft AGL over or within 500 ft of covered facilities. Carve-outs include facility-owner direction, inspection or maintenance work, and FAA-compliant commercial operations.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at major airports: Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE) Class C airspace, Madison Dane County Regional (MSN) Class C airspace, Green Bay Austin Straubel (GRB) Class D airspace. Military airspace at Fort McCoy and Volk Field. All controlled airspace requires LAANC authorization before flight.
Major Airports
MKE — Milwaukee Mitchell InternationalMSN — Madison Dane County RegionalGRB — Green Bay Austin StraubelLSE — La Crosse RegionalATW — Appleton InternationalCWA — Wausau Central Wisconsin
TFR Notice
Automatic TFR over Lambeau Field during Green Bay Packers games and major events (3 nautical miles radius, surface to 3,000 feet AGL, 1 hour before to 1 hour after event). TFRs also activated for other major events and large assemblies. Always check current TFR NOTAMs before flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Milwaukee Police Department Expands Drone Program with Remote Deployment
regulatory changeMilwaukee PD expanded its drone program in January 2026 with remote deployment capabilities, making it one of approximately 50 law enforcement agencies in the US with this technology. Drones used for suspect tracking, search operations, and emergency response.
Stoughton Police Use Drone for Park Investigation
enforcementStoughton police used drones and trail cameras in February 2026 to identify a suspect involved in repeated indecent conduct in a public park. Suspect was cited for indecent conduct. Case demonstrates expanding use of drone evidence in law enforcement.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | UW-Madison requires all UAS operations on university property to be approved by the Office of Safety and Risk Management. Camp Randall Stadium has a TFR during Badgers football games and major events. Restrictions: Office of Safety and Risk Management approval required for all flights. Camp Randall Stadium TFR during football games and events. No flights over UW Hospital. No monitoring or recording in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy. | Yes | Office of Safety and Risk Management (osrm@wisc.edu) |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | UW-La Crosse requires drone operators to secure permission and complete a safety checklist before operating. Third-party or hobbyist operators must have liability insurance. Restrictions: Drones must remain at least 100 feet away from buildings. Third-party operators must have liability insurance. All flights require prior approval and completion of UAS checklist. | Yes | Environmental Health & Safety Office |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | UW-Whitewater requires university employees and students conducting UAS operations on university property for duties or research to contact risk management. Non-employee operators must secure prior approval from risk management. Restrictions: All operators must provide proof of liability insurance. Drones must not be used to monitor or record in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy. Non-hobby operations must comply with licensing and exemption requirements. | Yes | Risk Management Department |
| Western Technical College | Western Tech allows drone operations only for instructional, institutional, or contractor use. Contractors doing college-related work must have liability insurance. Restrictions: Drones shall not be used to monitor or record areas with reasonable expectation of privacy including restrooms, locker rooms, residential areas, changing rooms, daycare facilities, health treatment areas, or sensitive institutional/personal information. | Yes | Facilities Management / Academic Affairs |
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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