Wisconsin Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Wisconsin maintains a moderate regulatory posture toward drone operations, with state statutes addressing law enforcement use, weaponized drones, and privacy. Several bills passed both chambers in the 2025-2026 legislative session that would add new restrictions on drone operations over schools, utility infrastructure, and grant police authority to disable threatening drones — all pending governor action. The state does not require state-level registration, and commercial and recreational operations are primarily governed by federal FAA rules, supplemented by local ordinances in select municipalities.
State Drone Laws
Wis. Stat. § 175.55Use of Drones Restricted
Prohibits Wisconsin law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather evidence without obtaining a search warrant. Contains exceptions for exigent circumstances, search and rescue, and other specified situations.
Wis. Stat. § 941.292Possession of a Weaponized Drone
Prohibits the possession or operation of a weaponized drone. A drone is considered weaponized if it is equipped with a firearm, dangerous weapon, or device capable of causing bodily harm or death.
Wis. Stat. § 942.10Use of a Drone
Prohibits the use of a drone to photograph, record, or observe another individual in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. First offense is a Class A misdemeanor; subsequent offenses are Class I felonies.
Wis. Adm. Code ch. NR 45.04(1)(c)Prohibition of Drones in State Parks and Recreation Areas
Prohibits the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, hang gliding, parasailing, hot air ballooning, land sailing, flying model airplanes, and sky diving at 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 posted for their use. Exception: Richard Bong Special Use Zone allows model airplanes, rockets, hang gliders and hot air balloons with advance permission.
Wis. Stat. § 114.045Unmanned Aircraft Systems — General State Framework
Wisconsin's primary statutory framework for UAS regulation. Establishes state-level authority over drone operations and has been amended multiple times to address specific use cases. Serves as the base statute referenced by several 2025-2026 session bills addressing schools, utilities, and law enforcement authority to disable drones.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Town of Greenfield
townshipDrone Operations Ordinance
Regulates launch, landing, and operation of drones within the town.
Restrictions
No person shall launch or land a drone outside of their visual line of sight; within 100 feet of any person except the operator and assistant operator; within 500 feet of any festival, event, picnic, protest or public assembly of more than 100 people; in a manner so as to endanger the safety of any person or property; within 500 feet of any emergency vehicle operating emergency lights or siren; to any active police, fire or emergency response incident; to schools that are in session; and to jails.
City of Hudson
cityUnlawful Use of Drones Ordinance
Regulates use of drones to photograph, record or observe individuals in places where they have reasonable expectation of privacy.
Restrictions
Prohibits the use of a drone with the intent to photograph, record or observe someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as in their backyard or residence. Violation carries a $200 fine.
City of Chetek
cityAltitude Limitations Near Municipal Airport
Establishes altitude limitations on drone flights near Chetek Municipal Airport.
Restrictions
Altitude limitations on drone flights in proximity to Chetek Municipal Airport.
Outagamie County
countyAirport Drone Operations Prohibition
Prohibits drone operations on airport grounds.
Restrictions
Drones may not be operated on airport grounds.
City of Green Bay
citySpecial Events Airspace Restrictions
Restricts drone flights during special events, including Green Bay Packer games at Lambeau Field.
Restrictions
Cannot fly below 400 feet within specified boundaries of special events, including Green Bay Packer games at Lambeau Field. Note: FAA TFRs independently cover Lambeau Field during NFL games, making state and local restrictions largely concurrent.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drone surveillance violating privacy (§ 942.10) — first offense | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to $10,000 | Up to 9 months | Wisconsin State Patrol / Local Law Enforcement | Class A Misdemeanor in Wisconsin carries up to 9 months imprisonment and/or up to $10,000 fine under Wis. Stat. § 939.51(3)(a). City of Hudson ordinance violation separately carries a $200 fine. |
| Drone surveillance violating privacy (§ 942.10) — subsequent offenses | Class I Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 3.5 years | Wisconsin State Patrol / Local Law Enforcement | Subsequent offenses escalate to Class I Felony under § 942.10. |
| Possession of a weaponized drone (§ 941.292) | Class H Felony | Up to $10,000 | Up to 6 years | Wisconsin State Patrol / Local Law Enforcement | Class H Felony in Wisconsin carries up to 6 years imprisonment and/or up to $10,000 fine under Wis. Stat. § 939.50(3)(h). |
Drone surveillance violating privacy (§ 942.10) — first offense
Class A Misdemeanor in Wisconsin carries up to 9 months imprisonment and/or up to $10,000 fine under Wis. Stat. § 939.51(3)(a). City of Hudson ordinance violation separately carries a $200 fine.
Drone surveillance violating privacy (§ 942.10) — subsequent offenses
Subsequent offenses escalate to Class I Felony under § 942.10.
Possession of a weaponized drone (§ 941.292)
Class H Felony in Wisconsin carries up to 6 years imprisonment and/or up to $10,000 fine under Wis. Stat. § 939.50(3)(h).
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Wisconsin does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for recreational drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) and for all drones used for commercial operations.
Commercial drone operations require FAA Part 107 certification. Operations in Wisconsin state parks require advance permission from the DNR. Local municipal ordinances may require permits for specific jurisdictions. University campuses generally require prior approval from campus safety or risk management offices.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Commercial drone operations in Wisconsin must comply with FAA Part 107 Small UAS Rule.
All commercial drone pilots in Wisconsin must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Operations must comply with Part 107 requirements including altitude limits (400 feet AGL), visual line of sight, daylight/civil twilight operations, and airspace authorizations. Waivers are available through the FAA for certain Part 107 restrictions.
Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
Recreational drone pilots must complete TRUST certification.
Hobbyist drone operators in Wisconsin must complete the FAA's free Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of completion. Drones over 0.55 lbs (250g) require FAA registration at a cost of $5 per drone, valid for 3 years.
Remote ID Compliance
Drone operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements.
All drone operators in Wisconsin must comply with FAA Remote ID rules (effective September 16, 2023). Drones must broadcast identification and location information unless operated within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). This is a federal requirement that applies uniformly across Wisconsin regardless of local ordinances.
FAA Preemption of Airspace
The FAA retains exclusive authority over navigable airspace, limiting the scope of state and local drone regulations.
Under 49 U.S.C. § 40103, the federal government has exclusive sovereignty over navigable airspace. State and local laws may regulate drone operations on the ground (takeoff, landing, privacy, trespass) but cannot generally regulate airspace itself. Wisconsin's state laws appropriately focus on ground-level conduct, privacy, and equipment restrictions rather than airspace rules, avoiding direct federal conflict.
Counter-UAS Authority
State-level police authority to disable drones may intersect with federal counter-UAS law.
Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 46502, 18 U.S.C. § 32) broadly prohibits interference with aircraft, including drones. Counter-UAS authority at the federal level is currently limited to specific federal agencies (DOD, DHS, DOJ, DOE, FAA). Wisconsin AB 629 (enrolled) would grant state and local police authority to disable threatening drones — this authority may require careful implementation to avoid federal preemption conflicts, as any state law authorizing interference with aircraft could be challenged under federal aviation law.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available through the FAA at major Wisconsin airports including Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE), Green Bay Austin Straubel (GRB), and Dane County Regional (MSN). Pilots should check the FAA DroneZone or approved LAANC apps for current authorization grids.
Major Airports
MKE — Milwaukee Mitchell International AirportGRB — Green Bay Austin Straubel International AirportMSN — Dane County Regional AirportATW — Appleton International Airport (Outagamie County Regional)LSE — La Crosse Regional AirportCWA — Central Wisconsin Airport (Mosinee)RFD — Richard Bong Special Use Zone (model aircraft exception area)
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common around Lambeau Field during Green Bay Packer games (NFL stadium TFR, 3 nautical miles, surface to 3,000 ft AGL) and Camp Randall Stadium during University of Wisconsin football games. Standard TFRs apply around military installations including Volk Field and Fort McCoy, as well as major events. Pilots should check notam.faa.gov and B4UFLY before every flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
AB 629Enrolled — Awaiting Governor SignaturePolice authority to disable drones threatening public safety and providing a penalty
Would grant Wisconsin law enforcement agencies authority to disable drones that pose a threat to public safety. Amends Wis. Stat. § 114.045 to create new subsections allowing law enforcement to take action against threatening drones and establishing penalties for operators whose drones are disabled under this authority. Passed both chambers; potential federal preemption concern regarding interference with aircraft.
Last action: March 25, 2026
SB 626Failed — Senate Joint Resolution 1 (Sine Die)Police authority to disable drones threatening public safety and providing a penalty
Companion Senate bill to AB 629. Failed passage in the Senate. AB 629 (Assembly version) was enrolled instead.
Last action: March 23, 2026
AB 768Enrolled — Awaiting Governor SignatureOperation of drones over certain utility facilities and providing a penalty
Would restrict drone operations over certain utility facilities including electric generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, water treatment, and gas facilities. Amends Wis. Stat. § 114.045 to add critical infrastructure protections. If signed, would add a new critical infrastructure category to Wisconsin drone law.
Last action: March 23, 2026
SB 766Failed — Senate Joint Resolution 1 (Sine Die)Operation of drones over certain utility facilities and providing a penalty
Companion Senate bill to AB 768. Failed passage in the Senate. AB 768 (Assembly version) was enrolled instead.
Last action: March 23, 2026
AB 530Enrolled — Awaiting Governor SignatureThe operation of drones over school property and providing a penalty
Would restrict drone operations over school property and K-12 educational facilities. Amends Wis. Stat. § 114.045 to establish no-fly restrictions over school grounds and associated penalties. If signed, would codify at the state level restrictions similar to those already found in several local ordinances.
Last action: March 23, 2026
SB 519Failed — Senate Joint Resolution 1 (Sine Die)The operation of drones over school property and providing a penalty
Companion Senate bill to AB 530. Failed passage in the Senate. AB 530 (Assembly version) was enrolled instead.
Last action: March 23, 2026
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 reviewed and approved by the Office of Safety and Risk Management (OSRM) prior to flight. Research UAS operations may require additional review by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Camp Randall Stadium has an FAA TFR during football games. Restrictions: Prior approval from Office of Safety and Risk Management required before any drone operations on university property. FAA TFR applies over Camp Randall Stadium during athletic events. No unauthorized flights over UW Hospital and clinics. All operators must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. | Yes | Office of Safety and Risk Management |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | UW-Milwaukee requires prior authorization for drone operations on or over university property. Operators must comply with applicable FAA regulations and obtain campus approval through the Office of Risk Management. Restrictions: Prior authorization required for all UAS operations on or over university property. Must comply with FAA Part 107 or recreational rules. Operations near Mitchell International Airport (Class C airspace) require FAA LAANC authorization or waiver. | Yes | Office of Risk Management |
| Marquette University | Marquette University prohibits unauthorized drone operations on university property. Any drone use requires prior written approval from Campus Safety and the Physical Plant department. The Milwaukee downtown campus is in Class C airspace requiring FAA authorization. Restrictions: Prior written approval required from Campus Safety and Physical Plant. All FAA regulations must be followed. Class C airspace over Milwaukee requires LAANC authorization or FAA waiver before flight. | Yes | Marquette University Campus Safety |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | UW-Green Bay requires advance approval for any UAS operations on university grounds. Operators must demonstrate compliance with FAA regulations and campus safety requirements. Restrictions: Advance approval required. Must comply with all FAA regulations. Proximity to Green Bay Austin Straubel Airport may require LAANC authorization. | Yes | UW-Green Bay Safety Office |
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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