Overview
Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-7-8 address invasion of privacy via drone. Rocky Mountain National Park restricted. Denver is Class B airspace. Wildlife protection strict.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Colorado. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-502: Trespass via unauthorized drone flight
- Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-111: Harassment via repeated drone surveillance
- Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-7-801: Invasion of privacy via drone
- Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-7-802: Voyeurism — drone surveillance for sexual gratification
- Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-6-802: Menacing via threatening drone operations
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Federal airspace restrictions
- Denver International: Class B requires LAANC authorization
- Colorado Springs: Class B requires LAANC authorization
- Rocky Mountain National Forest: Special Use Permit for commercial ops
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife: No drones in wildlife management areas
- Colorado Department of Education: School airspace — no drones over schools
- Colorado Department of Health: Hospital/medical facility airspace protected
- Colorado Public Utilities Commission: Utility infrastructure protection
- Colorado State Parks: No drone operations without authorization
- Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-3-101: Reckless endangerment via drone
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Recreational Flying in Colorado
Recreational drone pilots in Colorado must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:
- Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
- Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times
- Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
- Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws
Commercial Operations (Part 107) in Colorado
Commercial drone operations in Colorado require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
- Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
- Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
- Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
- Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
- Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations
Airspace & Restricted Areas
Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in Colorado must respect federal airspace designations:
- Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
- National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
- Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
- Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
- Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.
Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.
Official Resources & Statute Links
- https://www.nps.gov/romo/
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107
- https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb14-1228
- https://www.colorado.gov/puc
- https://cdphe.colorado.gov/
- https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/
- https://cpw.state.co.us/
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/arp
- https://www.cde.state.co.us/
- https://leg.colorado.gov/