Recreational Drones: Berkeley vs Hayward
How do recreational drones rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Hayward, CA?
Berkeley and Hayward have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Recreational drone pilots in Berkeley must follow FAA rules under 49 USC 44809, register aircraft over 0.55 lb, pass the TRUST test, and avoid Berkeley parks and UC Berkeley airspace.
View full Berkeley rules →Hayward, CA
Alameda County
Hobby drone flights in Hayward must comply with FAA rules and avoid flying over people, emergencies, or in restricted airspace around Hayward Executive Airport.
View full Hayward rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| FAA TRUST | Required for all rec pilots | - |
| Registration | Drones 0.55 lb and up | FAA if over 0.55 lb |
| Altitude | Below 400 ft AGL | 400 ft AGL maximum |
| City parks | No launch without permit | - |
| UC Berkeley | Own drone policy | - |
| Airspace | - | KHWD requires LAANC |
| Parks | - | Permit usually required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I fly a drone in a Berkeley park?
Generally no. City parks require a permit for drone operations under BMC 6.28.
Do I need to register my drone?
Yes if it weighs 0.55 lb or more. You also must pass the FAA TRUST test for any recreational flight.
Hayward FAQ
Can I fly from my backyard?
Yes if you are outside controlled airspace or have a LAANC authorization and maintain visual line of sight below 400 feet.
Can I fly over a wildfire or crash?
No. Interfering with emergency responders is a state crime and can ground all firefighting aircraft; heavy fines and arrest are possible.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Hayward compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool