Anaheim, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Max altitude
- 400 feet above ground level
- Flight hours
- Sunrise to sunset only
- Bystander distance
- 100 feet minimum
- Line of sight
- Unaided visual, no FPV goggles
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, AMC 1.01.370
Summary
Anaheim caps hobbyist drone flights at 400 feet above ground, daylight hours only, and within the operator's unaided visual line of sight. Flying over moving vehicles, within 100 feet of bystanders, or while impaired is a misdemeanor under Municipal Code Chapter 6.43.
It is unlawful to operate a Model Aircraft or Civil UAS higher than 400 feet above ground level. Model Aircraft and Civil UAS, when operating outdoors, shall only fly during daylight hours, which are defined as between official sunrise and official sunset, local time. ... It is unlawful to operate a Model Aircraft or Civil UAS beyond the visual line of sight of the operator. The operator must use his or her own natural vision without enhancement other than by corrective lenses prescribed for the operator.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Code: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026 | Zoning: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
0208). 0202). 0206). 0209) are all separately barred. 010 adds hobby-specific limits: no interfering with police or fire operations, no equipment on the aircraft beyond a camera or recording device, and no hovering over private property without the owner's or tenant's permission. 040 exempts operations the FAA has separately authorized.
Violations & Fines
Section 6.43.020.030 makes any violation of Chapter 6.43 a misdemeanor, punishable under Section 1.01.370 of the code (Violations of Code - Penalty). Enforcement is not limited to a warning or infraction track; a first altitude, line-of-sight, or bystander-distance violation is charged as a misdemeanor from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high can I legally fly my drone in Anaheim?
Can I fly my drone at night in Anaheim?
Is flying a drone using first-person-view goggles legal in Anaheim?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California drone rules overview
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