Atlantic County, NJ Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Altitude ceiling
- 400 feet above ground
- Visual line of sight
- Required at all times
- FAA registration
- Must be valid and current
- Prohibited
- Flying over people, vehicles, others' property
- Max fine
- Up to $500 per violation
Summary
Atlantic County caps drone flights at 400 feet, requires line-of-sight operation and current FAA registration, and bars flying over people, vehicles or others' property, per Code § 97-132.1(D), which applies within Estell Manor County Park.
The operator must possess a valid and current FAA registration. The drone must be operated within 400 feet of the ground. The drone must remain within the sight line of the operator. The drone cannot be flown over people, other vehicles, structures or the property of others. The operation of the drone must not disturb wildlife. The operation must not interfere with law enforcement or emergency operations. ... The drone must not be flown in a reckless manner.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4863463; v25 updated 2026-04-21; through 04-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
1(D) sets the operational rules for recreational drone flight within the county park system's designated UAV areas at Estell Manor Park. The drone must be operated within 400 feet of the ground and must remain within the sight line of the operator at all times. Operators must possess a valid and current FAA registration for the aircraft, and the drone cannot be flown over people, other vehicles, structures, or the property of others. The rule also bars flights that disturb wildlife or interfere with law enforcement or emergency operations, and prohibits reckless flying.
Operators must obtain a $5 annual special use permit from the Atlantic County Parks Division, and any accident, including injury to a person or property damage, must be reported immediately to park officials. These are the county's only codified drone-operation standards; they sit inside the Parks chapter and apply to UAV use on Atlantic County park property rather than as a county-wide airspace ordinance, consistent with FAA preemption of general national airspace regulation.
Violations & Fines
Breaking any of the § 97-132.1(D) operating conditions, flying beyond 400 feet, losing line of sight, flying over people or property, disturbing wildlife, or flying recklessly, results in cancellation of the special use permit and can bring a fine of up to $500 under the ordinance's enforcement note, plus a twelve-month bar on operating any UAV in the Atlantic County Park System. Complaints are filed in the Municipal Court of the City of Estell Manor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high can I fly my drone in an Atlantic County park?
Do I need FAA registration to fly at Estell Manor Park?
Can I fly my drone over other park visitors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlantic County
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