Carson, CA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Carson Municipal Code Ch. 16
- Adopted by
- Ordinance 15-1569
- Drone definition
- includes toy/model recreational devices
- Coordinates with
- FAA laws, doesn't override them
- Enforcement
- misdemeanor under CMC § 1200
Summary
Carson's Unmanned Aircraft Systems chapter defines drones broadly enough to include toy and model aircraft, and says its rules operate alongside FAA regulations rather than replacing federal airspace authority.
"Drone(s)" shall mean an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that can fly under the control of a remote pilot or by a global positioning system (GPS) guided autopilot mechanism including, but not limited to, toy or model airplanes, helicopters, and/or other similar personal and/or recreational devices.
(b) "Large venue special events" shall mean any event held in a public park or an open-air facility that is open to the public and intended to attract large groups of people. (Ord. 15-1569 § 1)
Full Breakdown
Carson's Chapter 16 (CMC §§ 41601–41605), adopted by Ordinance 15-1569, defines 'drone' to include an unmanned aircraft or UAS controlled by a remote pilot or GPS autopilot, expressly covering toy or model airplanes, helicopters, and similar recreational devices. The chapter's stated purpose is to regulate drone use for public safety while operating in conjunction with FAA laws, regulations, and policies: it doesn't attempt to override federal airspace control. The only flight restriction Carson layers on top of FAA rules is proximity-based, tied to large venue special events (CMC § 41603), not a general ban on recreational flying citywide.
Violations & Fines
No standalone recreational-drone violation exists; general Chapter 16 violations are misdemeanors under Article 1, Chapter 2's Penalty Provisions per CMC § 41605.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carson ban recreational drones?
Do FAA rules still apply in Carson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carson
California rules heatmap·Compare Carson to another location·View the California drone rules overview
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Recreational Drones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recreational drones.