State drone laws · CA
Drone Laws in California (2026)
What federal rules require, what California adds on top, whether local governments can set their own drone rules, and the penalties if you get it wrong.
Last verified August 2026
State drone law changes every year
Quick answer: can I fly a drone in California?
Yes. You can fly a drone in California if you follow the federal FAA rules, California state law, and the local ordinance where you are flying. California has not preempted local rules, so cities, counties and park districts add their own restrictions.
Federal rules apply everywhere in California
The FAA controls the airspace above every square foot of the United States. No state or city can authorize a flight the FAA prohibits, and no state law removes your federal obligations. These are the rules that apply in California exactly as they do in every other state.
- Register any drone at or above 250 g. Recreational pilots must register a drone that weighs 250 grams or more at takeoff. Registration lasts three years and the number must be marked on the outside of the aircraft.
- Pass the TRUST test and carry proof. Every recreational flyer must complete the free TRUST test once and be able to show the completion certificate along with proof of registration.
- Broadcast Remote ID. Any drone that requires registration must broadcast Remote ID, either built into the aircraft or through an add-on broadcast module.
- Stay under 400 feet, in sight, away from other aircraft. Fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace, keep the drone within visual line of sight, and never interfere with manned aircraft or emergency response.
- Get authorization in controlled airspace. Class B, C, D and surface-level E airspace requires prior authorization, which recreational flyers obtain instantly through a LAANC-approved app.
Our pillar guides cover each of these in depth: FAA drone registration, where you can fly, Remote ID and the TRUST test. If you fly for any kind of compensation, you need a Part 107 certificate instead of recreational privileges.
Skip the paperwork — we file your FAA registration for you
Complete the form in a few minutes and get your certificate by email within 24 hours.
California state drone laws
California Penal Code § 647(j)(3)
Makes it a misdemeanor to use a device, including a drone-mounted camera, to look into or record the interior of a room or private area where the occupant has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without consent.
California Civil Code § 1708.8
California's physical and constructive invasion of privacy statute. Flying a drone into the airspace above someone's land to capture images or recordings of them engaging in a personal or familial activity can create civil liability, with damages up to three times the actual damages plus disgorgement of profits.
This is the provision most often used against paparazzi-style drone filming. It applies whether or not you physically enter the property.
No statewide preemption
California has not preempted local drone regulation. Cities, counties, park districts and beach authorities across the state have adopted their own ordinances, and those local rules apply on top of federal and state law.
Preemption status in California
No preemption — local drone ordinances apply
There is no statewide preemption, so local ordinances stand alongside federal and state law. Cities, counties, park districts and beach authorities can and do adopt their own drone rules. Before you fly somewhere new, check the ordinance for the municipality and the rules for the specific park, beach or trail.
Preemption is about who writes the rules, not about the airspace itself. Even in a preemption state, a city can decide you may not launch from its park, a private landowner can ask you to leave their property, and the FAA still controls the airspace above both.
Notable restrictions in California
- Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Malibu and many other cities restrict drone launching or landing in city parks and on beaches.
- California State Parks require a permit for drone operations in many units, and rules vary by district.
- Wildfire airspace is a serious matter in California: interfering with firefighting aircraft is a federal offense and a state crime.
Airspace and land permission are two different questions. You can have LAANC authorization for the airspace and still be trespassing on the ground. Both have to check out.
Penalties
Two layers of penalties can apply to the same flight: federal enforcement by the FAA and state or local charges brought by California authorities.
Federal. Flying an unregistered drone that requires registration can carry civil penalties up to $27,500 and criminal penalties up to $250,000 and three years in prison. Remote ID has made it far easier for authorities to identify an aircraft in flight. Our penalties guide explains how enforcement actually works in practice.
California. State-level consequences include:
- A § 647(j)(3) violation is a misdemeanor, with higher penalties for repeat offenses or where the subject is a minor.
- Civil Code § 1708.8 allows treble damages, punitive damages and disgorgement of any profits made from the images.
- Local ordinance violations are typically infractions with fines, but they can be charged in addition to state claims.
Register your drone before you fly in California
Registration is the one requirement that applies no matter which state you are in. We handle the FAA paperwork for you and deliver your certificate by email within 24 hours, with a safety summary you can keep with your gear.
Drone Register is a private service and is not affiliated with the FAA, the California State Legislature or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal advice. Last verified August 2026.