Riverside County, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Recreational hobbyists must register any drone between 0.55 and 55 pounds with the FAA, pass the TRUST knowledge test, keep the aircraft within visual line of sight, fly below 400 feet above ground level, and avoid controlled airspace around airports without LAANC authorization. Riverside County's commercial airspace includes March Air Reserve Base, Palm Springs International, Bermuda Dunes, French Valley, and Banning Municipal — all requiring LAANC or tower approval. Takeoff and landing from Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District land is prohibited by district rules except in designated model-aircraft areas; flights over parks are regulated by the FAA but launching from park grounds is a trespass. Joshua Tree National Park, San Bernardino National Forest, and California State Parks including Salton Sea SRA ban drone use entirely. Privacy invasion via drone recording is addressed by California Civil Code 1708.8. Peeping or harassing flights near residences may also trigger nuisance enforcement under Ord. 725. Emergency and wildfire airspace (TFRs) is strictly enforced; flying near a wildfire is a federal offense.