Do I need a license to fly a drone in Utah?

Recreational pilots in Utah must pass the FAA TRUST test and register drones weighing 0.55 lbs or more. Commercial pilots require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Utah may have additional state-specific requirements.

Where can I fly a drone in Utah?

In Utah, drones may be flown in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace below 400 ft AGL without authorization. Controlled airspace near airports requires LAANC approval. National parks, military bases, and areas with active TFRs are off-limits. Always check B4UFLY before flying.

What are the penalties for breaking drone laws in Utah?

Violating FAA regulations can result in civil penalties up to $27,500 and criminal penalties up to $250,000 or imprisonment. Utah state drone statutes may impose additional fines or penalties. Always verify current regulations before flight.

Utah Drone Laws & Regulations

Overview

Utah follows federal FAA Part 107 regulations for commercial and recreational drone operations. Private property trespass and harassment laws apply.

Key State Laws & Restrictions

The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Utah. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.

14 CFR 107: Maximum altitude 400 feet AGL (above ground level)
14 CFR 107.19: Remote Pilot must maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times
14 CFR 107.21: Remote Pilot must not fly in a manner that interferes with manned aircraft
14 CFR 107.39: No flight over moving vehicles or people
Private property trespass laws apply — unauthorized flight over private land is illegal
Check B4UFLY and LAANC for airspace restrictions before every flight
Recreational drones: No commercial purpose; must register with FAA
Utah Code § 76-5-106: Stalking
Utah Code § 76-5-107: Harassment
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources: Wildlife protection
Salt Lake City International: Class B airspace LAANC required
Zion National Park: Federal airspace restrictions
Utah Department of Education: School airspace protection
Utah Department of Health: Hospital airspace protection
Utah Public Service Commission: Utility infrastructure protection
Utah Code § 72-14-203: Unmanned aircraft system use requirements — Restricts how law enforcement may obtain, receive, or use data acquired through an unmanned aircraft system.
Utah Code § 72-14-303: Weaponized unmanned aircraft restrictions — Generally prohibits flying an unmanned aircraft carrying a weapon or with a weapon attached, subject to exceptions.

State-Enacted Drone Statutes

The following statutes expressly reference drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), UAVs, or unpiloted aircraft and have been enacted into law in Utah.

Utah Code § 72-14-203 law enforcement / warrant / data use

Unmanned aircraft system use requirements

Restricts how law enforcement may obtain, receive, or use data acquired through an unmanned aircraft system.

View Statute

Utah Code § 72-14-303 weaponized drone prohibition

Weaponized unmanned aircraft restrictions

Generally prohibits flying an unmanned aircraft carrying a weapon or with a weapon attached, subject to exceptions.

View Statute

Permits & Licensing

Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.

Recreational Flying in Utah

Recreational drone pilots in Utah 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 Utah

Commercial drone operations in Utah 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 Utah 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

Additional federal resources: FAA UAS · B4UFLY · LAANC