Drone Rules in New York, NY (2026)
3 verified drone rules for New York, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
New York City bars taking off or landing any aircraft, a term broad enough to cover drones, anywhere in the five boroughs except sites the Department of Transportation designates, under Administrative Code § 10-126.
NYC Drones: Takeoff/Landing Only at DOT Sites
Significant RestrictionsNew York City Administrative Code § 10-126
"Aircraft." Any contrivance, now or hereafter invented for avigation or flight in the air, including a captive balloon, except a parachute or other contrivance designed for use, and carried primarily as safety equipment. ... It shall be unlawful for any person avigating an aircraft to take off or land, except in an emergency, at any place within the limits of the city other than places of landi...
Commercial Drones
New York City restricts where drones can take off or land: Administrative Code § 10-126 bans it anywhere except sites the Department of Transportation or Port Authority designates, with any violation charged as a misdemeanor.
NYC Commercial Drone Takeoff-Landing Limits
Significant RestrictionsNew York City Administrative Code § 10-126
"Aircraft." Any contrivance, now or hereafter invented for avigation or flight in the air, including a captive balloon... c. Take offs and landings. It shall be unlawful for any person avigating an aircraft to take off or land, except in an emergency, at any place within the limits of the city other than places of landing designated by the department of transportation or the port of New York au...
Park Drone Restrictions
New York City bars bringing, landing, or letting any aerial craft or device, including drones, alight in a city park if it endangers a person or property, under Administrative Code § 18-146(c)(4).
NYC Parks Ban on Flying, Landing Drones
Significant RestrictionsNew York City Administrative Code § 18-146(c)(4)
No person shall voluntarily bring, land or cause to alight within or upon the jurisdiction of the department, any airplane, hot air balloon, parachute, hang glider, or other aerial craft or device, that endangers any person or property, except that certain areas may be designated appropriate landing places for medical evacuation helicopters.