Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN Drone Rules: Event Drone Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

No-fly radius
500 yards horizontal, any altitude
Max civil penalty
$500 plus costs
Territory
countywide, incl. excluded cities
Enforcement
impoundment possible

Summary

Flying a UAV within 500 yards of, or above, a sports game, concert or other public event is illegal countywide in Indianapolis and Marion County without state or federal approval.

In order to protect against potential crashes into crowded outdoor stadiums, as well as to inhibit commercial piracy and other potential threats to public safety, it shall be unlawful without proper registration, operator licensure and approval as determined by applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, for a person to use or operate an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) within a five hundred-yard horizontal radius of, or anywhere above: (1)Any public event, including a public event of the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA)...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Indianapolis-Marion County Code Sec. 407-403 bars operating an unmanned aircraft (UAV) within a 500-yard horizontal radius of, or anywhere above, any public sporting event, NFL, NBA, NCAA, minor-league or high-school games, or any event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, unless the operator has the registration, licensure and approval required by state and federal law. Police may also ground any UAV on reasonable suspicion of imminent danger to life, and must document the basis within 24 hours. Per Sec. 407-402, the rule applies countywide, including the excluded cities.

Violations & Fines

Civil penalty up to $500 plus enforcement costs and reasonable attorney fees; the UAV and control box may be impounded until nonapplicability is shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the drone rules apply in Speedway or Lawrence?
Yes. Sec. 407-402 states the article applies throughout the Consolidated City and Marion County, including the excluded cities, with no exemptions.
Can police ground my drone without a stadium event nearby?
Yes, if officers have reasonable suspicion of immediate danger of death or serious injury, they can prohibit UAV use and must document why within 24 hours.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Indianapolis

Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Parking RulesSome Restrictions

All Indianapolis rules

Compare Indianapolis to another location·View the Indiana drone rules overview

Get notified when Event Drone Restrictions in Indianapolis, IN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.