North Dakota Drone Laws
Federal requirements, North Dakota statutes, local restrictions, and official resources — in one place, with primary-source citations, for recreational and commercial drone pilots.
Verified & Published
Last reviewed 2026-10-01 · Next review 2026-10-31 · 2 official sources
North Dakota law focuses primarily on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by law enforcement and the protection of individual privacy. The state does not have a comprehensive drone code, instead relying on federal FAA regulations for flight safety and specific state statutes to govern surveillance and weaponization.
Are drones legal in North Dakota?
Drone operations are generally allowed in North Dakota when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Check airspace authorization and launch or landing restrictions before every flight.
Rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions can change. Check current airspace and official requirements before every flight.
At a Glance
Recreational operators must follow FAA rules and registration requirements.
Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 regulations.
N.D. Cent. Code § 29-29.4 State law restricts the use of drones for surveillance by law enforcement and private individuals in specific contexts.
No specific state-level statute prohibits drone flight near critical infrastructure, though federal restrictions apply.
General wildlife harassment laws may apply to drone operations.
Drone operations in state parks are subject to general park management policies.
Local governments may enact ordinances as there is no broad state preemption.
N.D. Cent. Code § 29-29.4-05 Violations of surveillance statutes may result in civil or criminal penalties.
How the Three Layers Work Together
Every flight is governed by all three layers at once. A rule in one layer does not cancel or replace the others — you must satisfy each layer that applies to where and how you fly.
FAA requirements that apply nationwide — registration, Remote ID, airspace, and operating categories.
State statutes, regulations, agency policies, and rules for state-owned property.
Municipal and county rules, parks, public-property launch/landing limits, filming permits, and property policies.
Our Pre-Flight Recommendations
- Check airspace & get LAANC authorization via B4UFLY before every flight.
- Confirm Remote ID compliance — broadcast module or FAA-registered drone.
- Search the local municipal code for park, launch, and landing restrictions.
- Carry proof of FAA registration and your Part 107 certificate when flying commercially.
- Respect private property — get written permission before flying over private land.
- When layers conflict, follow the most restrictive rule that applies.
Court decisions are shown separately under “Developing Law & Court Decisions.” They inform how rules may evolve but do not replace Layer 3.
Federal Baseline (Applies Everywhere)
These FAA requirements apply nationwide, in addition to any state and local rules below. Federal updates appear automatically on every state page.
- Choosing the Correct Operating Category. Before flying, decide whether you're flying recreationally under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations or commercially under Part 107. The category determines which rules apply to you.
- Recreational Flying and TRUST. Recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST test, carry proof of passage, register drones over 0.55 lb, and follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization.
- Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. Commercial drone operations require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, earned by passing the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
- Drone Registration and Exterior Markings. Drones weighing 0.55 lb (250 g) or more must be registered with the FAA, and the registration number must be displayed on the exterior of the aircraft.
- Remote ID. Most drones that require registration must also broadcast Remote ID — a digital 'license plate' — either built-in or via an add-on broadcast module.
- Visual Line of Sight. You must keep your drone within unaided visual line of sight at all times, unless you hold a specific FAA waiver.
- General Altitude Limits. The general altitude ceiling is 400 feet above ground level, with specific allowances near structures under Part 107.
- Controlled and Uncontrolled Airspace. Flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or surface E) near airports requires prior FAA authorization; uncontrolled Class G generally does not.
North Dakota State Laws
Verified state statutes, regulations, and agency policies. Each item links to its official source.
Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife
Wildlife Scouting and Hunting Restrictions
VerifiedYou cannot use a drone to find or hunt animals in North Dakota.
- Citation
- NDCC § 20.1-01-05
- Enforcement
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violations can result in fines and the loss of hunting privileges.
Law-Enforcement Drone Use
Limitations on Law Enforcement UAS Surveillance
VerifiedPolice must get a warrant before using a drone to collect evidence or conduct surveillance on private property.
- Citation
- NDCC § 29-29.4-02
- Enforcement
- Local and State Law Enforcement
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Evidence obtained in violation of this statute may be inadmissible in court.
Weapons & Dangerous Payloads
Prohibition of Lethal Weapons on UAS
VerifiedIt is illegal to equip any drone with a lethal weapon in North Dakota.
- Citation
- NDCC § 29-29.4-04
- Enforcement
- North Dakota Law Enforcement Agencies
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Violation is a class B misdemeanor.
State Parks & Public Lands
State Park UAS Permitting
VerifiedA permit is required to fly a drone in any North Dakota state park.
- Citation
- ND Admin. Code 54-02-01
- Enforcement
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department
- Last verified
- 2026-07-24
Penalties: Unauthorized flight can lead to removal from the park and administrative fines.
Local & Property Rules
Federal authorization does not automatically grant permission to launch, land, or operate from a particular property.
State Parks
There is no specific statewide statute prohibiting drone use in North Dakota state parks; however, visitors should check with the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department for site-specific rules.
Local Government Authority
North Dakota does not have a broad state law that preempts local municipalities from enacting their own drone-specific ordinances.
Detailed local guides are being developed for selected cities — covering local parks, city- and county-owned property, filming permits, special events, public facilities, and property-manager rules.
Plan Your Next Flight in North Dakota
Turn the rules into a flight plan — find a place to fly, hire a local professional, or join the CityDrones pilot directory.
North Dakota Drone Laws FAQ
Quick answers for recreational and commercial pilots.
Are drones legal in North Dakota?
Drone operations are generally allowed in North Dakota when pilots follow FAA requirements plus all applicable state, local, and property rules. Always verify airspace and launch or landing restrictions before flying.
Do I need to register my drone in North Dakota?
FAA registration is a federal requirement and applies nationwide, including North Dakota. Whether registration is required depends on the aircraft and type of operation.
Can I fly a drone in North Dakota state parks?
There is no specific statewide statute prohibiting drone use in North Dakota state parks; however, visitors should check with the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department for site-specific rules.
Can cities in North Dakota make their own drone rules?
Local governments in North Dakota retain the authority to regulate drone operations within their jurisdictions as no state-level preemption statute exists.
What do commercial drone pilots need in North Dakota?
Commercial pilots generally need to comply with FAA Part 107 requirements as well as applicable North Dakota, local, and property rules. Additional permits may apply to filming or operations on managed property.
Sources & Methodology
NCSL — Current Unmanned Aircraft State Law Landscape
Primary-source enacted state statutes and bill numbers.
UAV Coach — State Drone Laws Directory
State statutes + municipal local ordinances.
FlyUSI — US Drone Laws Guide
Federal / State / Local three-layer tracker, updated quarterly.
Drone Launch Academy — 50-State Directory
Commercial nuances: privacy torts, hunting, critical infrastructure.
CityDrones uses AI-assisted research to draft state law summaries, cross-checked against the authoritative directories above. Every claim is sourced to an official government or legislature page before publication, and all content is reviewed by a human editor before going live. This is educational information, not legal advice.
The 3-Layer Pre-Flight Compliance Guide
A printable checklist that walks federal, state, and local rules in the same order every time — so you can clear a legal flight before you leave the driveway.
Get it firstCityDrones provides general educational and flight-planning information, not legal advice or flight authorization. Drone laws, property rules, airspace restrictions, and temporary conditions may change. Always verify current requirements with the FAA and the appropriate government or property authority before flying.