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New York, NY Drone Rules: Park Drone Restrictions (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
Admin Code § 18-146(c)(4)
Covered devices
Airplanes, drones, hang gliders, parachutes
Criminal penalty
Up to 20 days jail, $1,000 fine
Civil penalty
$5,000 first, $10,000 repeat offense
Exception
Medical evacuation helicopter landing areas only

Summary

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).

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.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Administrative Code § 18-146(c)(4), the Aviation clause of the Parks Department's citywide "Prohibitions in parks" section, forbids voluntarily bringing, landing, or causing to alight any airplane, hot air balloon, parachute, hang glider, or other aerial craft or device that endangers any person or property within Parks Department jurisdiction. Drones fall under "other aerial craft or device." The only carve-out is for areas the department designates as landing places for medical evacuation helicopters. Parks Enforcement Patrol and NYPD can issue violations under this section.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor: up to 20 days jail or a $1,000 fine. Civil penalty: up to $5,000 for a first violation, up to $10,000 for a repeat violation within 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a drone in a NYC park?
No. Administrative Code § 18-146(c)(4) bars bringing, landing, or letting any aerial craft or device, including drones, alight in a park if it endangers a person or property, with penalties for violators.
What's the penalty for an illegal drone flight in a park?
Up to 20 days in jail or a $1,000 fine, plus a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for a first violation and up to $10,000 for a repeat violation within 12 months.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in New York

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All New York rules

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